As part of the Government of British Columbia’s ongoing efforts to ensure all British Columbians have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of sport, 46 groups will share more than $70,000 in funding through Local Sport Program Development (LSPD), Girls Only and Forever Active Bodies (FAB) 55+ grants, announced Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

Managed by ViaSport, these grants are part of the BC Sport Participation Program (BCSPP) - a partnership between the Government of British Columbia and Sport Canada. Since 2004, the BCSPP has provided close to $1 million in grants annually to provincial and multi-sport organizations for programs that help increase participation in sport, particularly for under-represented and marginalized populations.

Women in Victoria over the age of 55 years who want to take up cycling, people with disabilities who dream of giving waterskiing a go in Kamloops, and girls living in Houston who want to play for Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre’s girls-only, All Nations soccer program are among those who will benefit from this latest round of funding.

Approximately $43,000 will go to 28 different non-profit groups for sport programs through LSPD. These grants are designed to help establish new sport programs or expand existing ones so that more British Columbians, particularly those who face barriers to sport, have opportunities to participate. 

Eighteen Girls Only and FAB 55+ grant recipients will share just over $27,500, giving more girls and women of all ages and abilities the opportunity to participate in sport and enjoy the benefits of physical activity.

Quote:

Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Coralee Oakes -

“We are passionate about sport in this province and proud of our inclusive sport sector. Grants like this mean even more British Columbians can enjoy the many benefits of sport and physical activity.”

ViaSport CEO Cathy Priestner Allinger -

“ViaSport means through sport, and we believe that via sport we can inspire people while uniting and energizing communities. These grants are one way we are helping to increase awareness and participation in sport across the province, at every stage of life and in every community.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2004, the BCSPP has provided more than $10 million in sport programming support.
• The LSPD, Girls Only and FAB 55+ grants are managed by ViaSport.
• There are three rounds of LSPD, Girls Only and FAB 55+ grants per year. The next intake period starts in summer 2015.
• The Government of British Columbia will invest more than $50 million in sport programming this year.

Learn More:

For a complete list of grant recipients, go to:

LSPD: http://www.viasport.ca/sites/default/files/2015-03-25_LSPD_Backgrounder_1.pdf

Girls Only/FAB 55+: http://www.viasport.ca/sites/default/files/2015-03-25_GOFAB_Backgrounder_1.pdf

To learn more about ViaSport: http://www.viasport.ca/

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 356-6334