The Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development announced on Dec. 7 that two Fort St. John sports programs will receive government grants of up to $2,000.
Both the North Peace Gymnastics Association and Pine Pass Ski Club were chosen along with 23 other provincial clubs to receive funding from the B.C. government through the Local Sport Program Development Fund.
The grants aim to “help establish new sport programs or expand existing ones so that more British Columbians, particularly those who face barriers to sport, have opportunities to participate,” the B.C. government described in a press release.
“The health benefits of participation in sport can’t be overstated,” said Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. “That’s why it’s our goal to encourage active lifestyles for all British Columbians.”
“Through the Local Sport Program Development fund, thousands of athletes, young and old, have the opportunity to participate in sport programs of all sorts.”
Programs funded are focused on teaching kids fundamental sport skills, providing adaptive sports to persons with a disability, introducing new immigrants to sport as well as expanding Aboriginal sports organizations.
The grants are generally used for coach training, equipment or development of a program.
“Our goal is to unite and energize B.C. communities through sport,” said Scott Ackles, CEO of viaSport which admisters the grants. “The Local Sport Program Development Fund helps local groups improve sport delivery and gives more people a chance to play.”
The Pine Pass Ski Club’s grant will go towards coach training while it’s unknown how North Peace Gymnastics will utilize their funding at this point.
The Local Sport Program Development Fund was created in 2008.
take place in Harbin, China Dec. 15 and 16.
