Sport on the Move supports young BC athletes

100 MILE HOUSE – Young athletes needing help with travel costs for sports will benefit from a provincial investment of $600,000, Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett announced on behalf of Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Stephanie Cadieux.

“I’m very pleased that, through the Sport on the Move program, we’re making it possible for kids to be able to take part in some of the high-level training and competition that may otherwise be out of their reach,” said Barnett. “This support will make it more affordable for families as they help their children strive to participate and excel. It’s a win all around.”

Sport on the Move builds on the success of the travel grant program launched during the lead-up to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. In 2009-10, just over $350,000 was provided to provincial level athletes. In 2010-11, more grants will go to more athletes across B.C.

Residents in remote areas have benefited most in the past, with a majority of the allocation going to organizations, individuals and schools outside the Lower Mainland. Provincial Sport Organizations (PSOs) receive the funding directly, based on the size of their youth membership. PSOs then distribute to local sport groups, in consideration of annual priorities and travel needs.

“The investment in the Sport on the Move program continues the great support the Province of British Columbia has shown for developing young athletes,” said Tim Gayda, president and CEO of Sport BC. “Sport BC and our member Provincial Sport Organizations are grateful for the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development’s commitment to improving the accessibility of sport for participants in all corners of British Columbia.”

Funding has been provided by the ministry’s sport budget and the 2010 Sport and Arts Legacy, established to build on the momentum of B.C.’s successful hosting of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. More than half of the funding already has been allocated as travel grants to young athletes. The balance has yet to be distributed, including more than $120,000 to support travel for provincial high school championships. Details will be announced in the new year.

Government has committed $30 million through the Legacy Fund over the next three years, to grow sport participation, improve high-performance podium results and encourage healthy living by British Columbians.

Sport BC also offers discounts and travel grants, including Sporting Life on the Coast – a partnership with BC Ferries – through its website: sportbc.com

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