Sport participation receives big boost by Province

Courtesy of the BC Government:

A new round of grants under the BC Sport Participation Program will provide thousands of British Columbians with new opportunities to participate in and enjoy the benefits of sport through the Local Sport Development, Girls Only and Forever Active Bodies 55+ programs, announced Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

Total funding of $52,695 to 32 programs will buy equipment, as well as train leaders, officials or coaches, and teach participants sport skills. Successful applicants include municipalities, Aboriginal groups and not-for-profit organizations delivering programs that make community sport more accessible to people of all ages, abilities and demographics throughout B.C.

Students seeking adaptive ski programs on the North Shore mountains, young girls interested in rugby in Campbell River and women aged 55+ learning to cycle in Port Coquitlam are some of the many British Columbians who will benefit from this funding through the BC Sport Participation Program, administered by ViaSport.

The Government of British Columbia and Sport Canada have invested $953,330 in the BC Sport Participation Program this year to increase participation in sport and enhance sport organizations’ ability to deliver sport programs. The funding is particularly targeted at under-represented and marginalized populations facing barriers to sport and supports three grant programs – Provincial/Multi-Sport Organization grants, Local Sport Development Program and Girls Only and Forever Active Bodies 55+ grants.

Since 2001, the Government of British Columbia has invested more than $1 billion in sport and is providing over $50 million this year alone.

Hon. Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development says:

“Every British Columbian should have access to sport. Our targeted investments through the BC Sport Participation Program helps to make that happen - so more people can get involved and enjoy the benefits of being physically active. Although we are the most physically active province in Canada, there are many British Columbians who face barriers to sport participation. This program provides an opportunity to broaden our reach and increase participation levels.”

ViaSport vice president Bill Woodley also said:

“As the gateway to B.C. amateur sports, ViaSport aims to ensure opportunities to play sport are available and abundant in every corner of the province. The BC Sport Participation Program is one way we help to increase participation at all levels and abilities.”

More information can be viewed here (Local Sport Program Development fund grant recipient information) and here (GO and Forever Active Bodies 55+ grant recipient information)