Burns Lake Offers Softball For Aboriginal Youth

In July 2009, 2010 Legacies Now distributed $1,000 to the Spirit of Burns Lake for its summer softball program. This grant was part of $39,000 distributed to 39 Aboriginal organizations throughout British Columbia that month.

"Sports are an excellent tool for promoting positive youth involvement in the community," said Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad. "We are working with our First Nations partners to ensure our youth remain active and healthy while maximizing their enjoyment during summer school holidays."

The Spirit of Burns Lake used its grant to offer free, drop-in softball sessions for youth during the summer months. The program used the funding to purchase catchers' equipment for the youth to use.

The Aboriginal Youth Sport Legacy Fund supports physical activity, sport and recreation for BC's Aboriginal youth. The fund provides grants to high-performance athletes, scholarships for post-secondary students, and grants to community organizations to increase sport and recreation opportunities for youth. The fund also supports the First Nations Snowboard Team.

Administered by 2010 Legacies Now, the fund was created in 2002 by the Province of British Columbia, Vancouver 2010 Bid Corporation and the Squamish and Lil'wat Nations.