QUESNEL - The Provincial government is expanding its successful After School Sport and Arts Initiative (ASSAI) with up to $150,000 in annual funding for children shared by three new communities: Quesnel, Fort St. James and Lillooet.

The expansion of the ASSAI program means that even more kids will enjoy the many benefits of the program and will be given the tools to help develop healthy lifestyles, grow their talents, discover their passions and better their self-esteem.

Funded by the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, ASSAI currently receives $2 million annually to support children who otherwise may not have access to organized sport and arts activities in their communities.

The initiative’s programs aim to help students develop skills that contribute to a healthy life through creative thinking and physical activity. At the same time, students develop confidence in their abilities and a stronger connection to their schools, classmates, program leaders and community.

The program is supported by the Directorate of Agencies for School Health (DASH), which provides resources for program planning and connects local programs with training and partnership opportunities and assesses the health and learning outcomes for students.

ASSAI is an integral piece of the puzzle when it comes to helping B.C.’s youth.

Quotes:

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development - 

“We are so proud to support the After School Sport and Arts Initiative, and delighted that it can now be offered in three more communities. This expansion will result in hundreds more children participating in this amazing program that both promotes healthy lifestyle through physical activity and facilitates creative expression through the arts.”

Sue-Ellen Miller, superintendent of schools, SD#28 - 

“We are very pleased to offer the After School Sport and Arts Initiative for students in the Quesnel School District. Locating these programs in their local schools will provide an opportunity that many students might not have previously been able to access. We believe the After School Sport and Arts programming will enhance the connections students have with their school and peers, provide an opportunity for students to discover their artistic talents and develop skills for a healthy lifestyle.”

Kathy Cassels, executive director, DASH - 

“DASH is pleased to work with the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development to provide after-school programming that assists children in strengthening their social connections with both their peers and supportive adults. Each after-school program provides increased opportunities to engage in physical and creative activities in familiar, safe settings. In doing so, children are supported in developing healthy behaviours they can put to use on the playground, at home, and in school. Their smiles say it all!”

Quick Facts:

• In 2013-14, ASSAI programming was being offered in 151 schools across 29 communities, reaching 7,500 children from kindergarten to Grade 8.
• In the current 2014-15 school year, programming was made available in more than 180 schools.
• In Feb. 2015, the government announced up to $400,000 in funding available to ASSAI communities to provide programming to children with disabilities.

Learn More:

To learn more about DASH, visit: http://dashbc.ca/

To view a video about ASSAI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd9On26Z7iU

Media Contacts:

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