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2010 Legacies Now in partnership with the Province of British Columbia is pleased to provide $40,080 to 21 community sport projects. 2010 Legacies Now is making sport more accessible for people throughout the province by supporting projects ranging from the development of a speed skating program for at-risk youth in Kamloops to the launch of a girls' skateboarding program in Armstrong.
Sharon Garcia, Community Programmer, Armstrong Spallumcheen Parks and Recreation Commission, said they want to encourage more girls to use the skateboard park, where 99 per cent of participants are currently male. "The goal of the Skateboarding for Girls program is to encourage girls to try skateboarding and/or build their confidence level. It would be great to see more of the female population enjoying the skateboard park as it is a hub for most kids March to November."
These grants are made available through the Local Sport Program Development Fund (LSDF), funded by 2010 Legacies Now with support from the Province of B.C. through the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport. The LSDF provides people of all abilities more opportunities to access sport by funding programs initiated by municipalities, sport organizations and Aboriginal communities.
"This funding truly brings all British Columbians together, giving everyone the opportunity to keep active within their own communities," said Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport. "New equipment, coaching theories and sporting clinics are just a few of the areas this funding will be put towards. Whether it is a team or individual sport, these programs create a welcoming environment, helping people boost their self-confidence in a supportive, fun atmosphere."
Projects that received funding address a gap in programming, demonstrate an ability to draw new participants, provide leadership opportunities and are sustainable over the long-term. Organizations receive up to $2,000 to develop new, or enhance existing, programs that encourage greater participation and access to sport. A list of communities and organizations that received funding include:
"There are many benefits to helping youth and others throughout B.C. join sport and recreation opportunities in their own backyards," said Tom Walker, Director of Sport Participation at 2010 Legacies Now. "This contributes to better health, learning to set personal and team goals and it builds a positive community network of support."
Since the LSDF launched in 2008, it has contributed nearly $160,000 to support 79 community projects and new sport opportunities for people of all ages throughout B.C. For more information about the program, visit www.2010LegaciesNow.com/local_sport_development_fund/.
