Staying healthy and active is important and fun for girls and young women.

In response, sport groups throughout British Columbia have been encouraging more girls and women to join leagues and clubs, or participate in programs that promote this type of lifestyle.

Girls Only (GO) and Forever Active Bodies (FAB) 55+ are examples of the types of grants, along with Local Sport Program Development (LSPD) funds, that strive to make sport more accessible to people of all abilities.

This latest round of funding administered by viaSport, the Provincial Government’s lead agency in the development and promotion of sport and physical activity in the province, is made up of 34 grants that provide more than $60,000 to clubs and programs around the province. Some of the recipients include:

• Vancouver Island Biathlon Club – Courtenay: Biathlon Coaching Courses  $1,825
• Penticton Pickleball Club: Penticton Outdoor Pickleball  $2,000
• Aboriginal Education Department – Prince George: Northern Huskies Sports Program  $2,000

Another 26 programs already have received close to $40,000 in 2015-16.

These groups, along with many more, receive up to $2,000 in grants to be used for developing sport in their community. Funds can be used for buying equipment, training officials or coaches, and teaching sport skills.

Quotes:

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

“These grants encourage girls and women to lead healthy and active lives, and provide opportunities for them to try sports and activities. They are another important example of the many ways the Province is supporting sport and encouraging healthy lifestyles in communities throughout B.C.”

Sheila Bouman, CEO, viaSport –

“viaSport envisions an active, healthy British Columbia where sport inspires a field of possibilities for all. Research shows that girls and women are underrepresented when it comes to participation and opportunity in sport; therefore, specialized grant funding can make all the difference in developing and sustaining a life-long love of sport and physical activity. We’re thrilled to be a part of creating opportunities for girls and women in communities across B.C.”

Quick Facts:

• There are three LSPD fund application periods per year (summer, fall and winter/spring). For more information, see: http://www.viasport.ca/grant/local-sport-program-development-fund
• GO and FAB 55+ are application-based programs. Organizations that are eligible to apply include municipalities, community associations, not-for-profit organizations and Aboriginal groups. For more information, visit: http://www.viasport.ca/grant/funding-girls-and-women-sport

Learn More:

For a complete list of LSPD grant recipients, go to: https://www.viasport.ca/sites/default/files/Documents/2015-11-06_LSPD_Backgrounder.pdf

For a complete list of GO/FAB grant recipients, go to: https://www.viasport.ca/sites/default/files/Documents/2015-09_GOFAB_Backgrounder.pdf