Applications Open for Expanded Hosting BC Program
VICTORIA – Sport event organizers can now apply for funding through the expanded Hosting BC program, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Stephanie Cadieux announced today.
“The Province is extremely pleased to continue this very successful hosting program,” said Cadieux. “Hosting sport events provides a significant economic boost to a host community and surrounding area, enhances the community’s sport hosting expertise and builds the volunteer base. The events also give local athletes a chance to compete at home and give communities the chance to showcase their local culture.”
As part of the 2010 Sport Legacy Fund, the program has been expanded to include an allocation for smaller provincial, regional and invitational events so that more B.C. communities will be eligible to apply. Between 2004 and 2010, the highly successful Hosting BC program invested over $2.5 million in 181 sport events in communities across British Columbia.
Individual events have attracted participants numbering from 30 to more than 1,000, depending on the sport. The 2006 Pushor Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon drew 3,500 spectators, with 500 volunteers supporting the event. More than 70,000 spectators came out for Victoria’s Scotties Tournament of Hearts curling event in 2009.
Communities stand to gain economically as well. The Under 17 World Hockey Challenge, which took place in Port Alberni in 2009, attracted 250 athletes from six countries and 10 provinces, generating $2.85 million in economic benefit to the city of Port Alberni.
“The Province is extremely pleased to continue this very successful program,” said Cadieux. “Time and again, we’ve seen how communities can benefit from event hosting. These investments will build on B.C.’s unique hosting experience from the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and will provide more opportunities to celebrate B.C.’s sport and community culture.”
Changes have been incorporated to build on the success of the program, allowing for smaller provincial and regional events, and to maximize the economic development potential of sport events within communities. The program is managed by the BC Games Society, however, applications will be reviewed by a cross-sector committee to ensure economic, tourism and sport interests are considered.
The first intake of the Hosting BC program is ready for applications, which can now be made online. The application deadline is Dec. 15, 2010, 4 p.m. PST. For more information on Hosting BC, the program’s new guidelines, and the online application process, go to: www.bcgames.org or www.hostingbc.ca.
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