A wide range of sporting events at the local level will benefit from over $175,000 in provincial grants, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Peter Fassbender announced today.

This round of funding from Hosting BC will be shared by 45 groups in 24 communities throughout the province. Events include the Panorama Coupe NorAm Cup Series – an alpine skiing event in Invermere, the Western National Championships for water polo in Surrey and the Provincial Championships for wheelchair basketball in Kamloops.

The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are administered by viaSport, the Government of British Columbia’s lead agency for the development and promotion of sport and physical activity in the province. A complete list of grant recipients can be found here: http://ow.ly/VhSEo

Since 2004, Hosting BC has invested more than $5 million in community-based sporting events, 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.

The Government of British Columbia has provided more than $1 billion to support sport in B.C. since 2001, including over $50 million in 2014-15.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development –

“The Hosting BC grant program encourages communities to host tournaments and championships that provide a positive boost to the economy and help train volunteers for future events. These organizations also do a great job of showcasing our B.C. athletes at home and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for all residents.”

Sheila Bouman, CEO, viaSport –

“viaSport is proud to see a range of sporting events, from local tournaments to international championships, continue to select British Columbia as their preferred sport hosting destination. The Hosting BC grant program helps provincial community and sport organizations uphold B.C.’s reputation as a world-class destination for exceptional sporting events.”

Quick Facts:

• Hosting BC funds competitive level events that support long-term athlete development plans for B.C.’s Provincial Sport Organizations.
• Grants typically range from $1,000 to $15,000 depending on the level of competition (e.g., provincial, regional, national, international).
• Applications for funding are reviewed by the Hosting BC Review Committee, which is comprised of leaders in the sport and tourism sectors.

Learn More:

viaSport is a not-for-profit organization created in 2011 as a legacy of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Its mandate is to increase awareness, opportunity and participation in sport throughout the province: http://www.viasport.ca/