Sport in BC gets another boost from the Province of British Columbia
VICTORIA – The Province is giving a $4.7-million cash infusion to sports organizations in British Columbia. This in addition to $4.5 million already allocated, for a grand total of $9.2 million to 61 Provincial Sport Organizations, announced Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Stephanie Cadieux.
“It’s so important to understand the wide-reaching health and community-based benefits of sports – not only physical skills, but leadership qualities and the fostering of both team spirit and fair play,” said Cadieux. “Participation in sports helps build social skills and plays a big role in overall well-being. With the first anniversary of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games only months away, we are building on funding to the provincial sport organizations that have helped make B.C. the healthiest jurisdiction in Canada.”
Sport is an important component in every B.C. community and an integral part of B.C. culture. Funding to Provincial Sport Organizations (PSOs) builds on this strong provincial structure, supporting both grassroots community sport and the development of B.C.’s best athletes and coaches.
“This funding support from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development will allow Provincial Sport Organizations to continue to deliver high-quality sport programming to all levels of athletes, coaches, and volunteers in communities across British Columbia,” said Tim Gayda, president and CEO of Sport BC. “Sport BC and our members are thankful for our ongoing partnership with the Province of British Columbia as we strive to build a strong and healthy British Columbia.”
With this support, PSOs are better able to help grow their membership including field sports such as soccer and lacrosse; aquatic sports such as swimming and rowing; gym sports such as wheelchair basketball and rugby; wrestling, gymnastics and tae kwon do; and emerging sports such as orienteering and bobsleigh. British Columbia’s goal is to be first in Canada in sport participation by 2015.
“This increase will help PSOs provide enhanced programs and services to help the next generation of B.C.’s athletes and coaches attain their dreams of competing for Canada,” said Surrey-White Rock MLA Gordon Hogg. “The funding will help attract highly qualified coaches to B.C. and provide a range of services and programs to B.C.’s emerging stars.”
This funding represents a five per cent increase in overall funding since last year. PSOs are eligible to apply to or indirectly benefit from other programs.
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Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677
250 208-4028 (cell)
