At least 11 91原创 sports groups are getting funding from a provincial Local Sport Relief Fund.
The funding is to help local sports organizations make it through the pandemic, which has seen most sports either seriously curtailed or shut down altogether over physical distancing concerns.
The shutdowns have put financial pressure on groups that have had limited opportunities to raise funds.
鈥淐oaches, volunteers and board members have worked around the clock to ensure people can keep active and gain the physical and mental benefits of sport during the pandemic,鈥� said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. 鈥淲e heard their challenges to meet financial pressures with current health orders in place and are proud to provide this additional support so our communities can continue to offer sport in a safe way.鈥�
The funding totals $1.5 million to be spread across 288 organizations in B.C., including 124 in the Lower Mainland.
The government is trying to target smaller groups in rural and remote communities, and those serving under-represented communities, because they鈥檝e been hit disproportionately by the COVID-19-related shutdowns.
The funding can be used for administrative and operational costs, including insurance, rent, storage costs, and essential equipment related to COVID operations such as cleaning products and PPE.
鈥淟ocal sport programming delivers profound benefits to the health and well-being of communities and individuals across our province,鈥� said Charlene Krepiakevich, CEO of viaSport. 鈥淒elivering these community benefits are local sport organizations that have been hit hard during this time. This funding provides much-needed financial relief to sustain these organizations during these challenging times and enable these valuable services to continue.鈥�
The 91原创 groups receiving funding include:
鈥� Flip City Gymnastics artistic gymnastics program
鈥� 91原创 Blades Speed Skating Club
鈥� 91原创 Curling Club
鈥� 91原创 Girls Ice Hockey Association
鈥� 91原创 Judo Club
鈥� 91原创 Minor Football
鈥� 91原创 Minor Hockey Association
鈥� 91原创 United Soccer Association
鈥� North 91原创 Diamond Sports softball team
鈥� West Coast Senior Lacrosse Association
