The Government of British Columbia has provided $123,850 for 40 Hosting BC grants that will support a variety of sport events in communities throughout the province this year, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes said today.

ViaSport, a provincial non-profit leader promoting sport and physical activity for all British Columbians, administers the Hosting BC grant program. Hosting BC provides annual funding to help community sport organizations and provincial associations host competitive events.

This most recent round of Hosting BC grants will be shared by 25 communities in various regions of the province. Events that will receive funding represent diverse sports, including alpine skiing, ski jumping, curling, hockey, figure skating, snowboarding, archery, baseball, fencing, racquetball, gymnastics, soccer, swimming, tennis, wrestling and wheelchair sports.

Funded events include:

• $2,500 - BC Cup#1, cross country skiing, Prince George
• $3,000 - BC Bantam AAA Provincial Championship, hockey, Kelowna
• $5,000 - Sport Check U16 Club National Championships, soccer, Surrey
• $5,000 - 2015 Canadian Synchronized Swimming Qualifier Championships, Saanich
• $7,500 - Panorama Audi Coup North American Cup, alpine skiing, Invermere

For a complete list of grant recipients, visit: http://www.viasport.ca/grant/hosting-bc

Since 2004, Hosting BC has invested $4.7 million, funded by the Government of British Columbia, in sport events held in communities throughout the province, building B.C.’s reputation as a major sport-hosting destination. Event hosting stimulates economic activity and generates revenues that help support local businesses and jobs in B.C.’s local communities.

In 2014-15, the Government of British Columbia is investing over $50 million in sports, including funding for events and programs that help support athletes, coaches and public participation.

Quotes:

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes -

“Hosting BC grants help good things happen in British Columbia’s busy sport scene. High calibre competitions create great opportunities for B.C. athletes to develop and excel. Exciting sport events help communities shine as dynamic places to live and visit. Sport events generate important revenues that support local employment and encourage investment. The Government of British Columbia is proud to support these positive outcomes by funding Hosting BC grants.”

Bill Woodley, vice-president, ViaSport -

“As the hub of amateur sports in B.C., ViaSport is proud to play a role in helping our communities showcase their athletes, facilities and fans to national and international audiences.”

Quick Facts:

• Hosting BC funds competitive level events that support long-term athlete development for B.C.'s Provincial Sport Organizations.
• Grants typically range from $1,000 to $15,000 depending on the level of competition.
• Applications for funding are reviewed by the Hosting BC Review Committee, comprised of leaders in the sport and tourism sectors.

Learn More:

See more about the Government of British Columbia’s role in supporting sport, arts and culture through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 888-1462

Erica Branda
Director, Media and Communications
ViaSport
778 655-1759