New Democrat MLAs Megan Dykeman (91原创 East) and Andrew Mercier (91原创) have announced $28,000 in provincial sports grants for 91原创 events.

鈥淚nvesting in community sports organizations is not only about promoting physical activity but also about bringing people together鈥� said Dykeman. 鈥淭hese grants will provide more opportunities for people in the sports community in 91原创 and beyond to connect.鈥�

鈥淪ports can foster a sense of pride and community, no matter what age you are,鈥� said Andrew Mercier, MLA for 91原创. 鈥淏y investing in our local sporting events, we get to showcase the talent of 91原创鈥檚 athletes and giving our community a chance to come together over their achievements .鈥�

In the statement, released Monday, March 13, they said funding for sporting events in B.C. communities will boost local tourism and enrich sports communities for B.C. athletes, so sports fans, athletes, and businesses can enjoy games close to home, and travel to games across the province.

In 91原创, the following events are receiving funding:

鈥� 2023 Harry Jerome Track Classic, $7,500. The 40th edition of the event will take place on Friday July 14, 2023 at McLeod Athletic Park. The meet will once again be a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze Level meet (C level points awarded).

鈥� 2023 Canoe Kayak Fort Invitational, $2,000.

READ ALSO: Tournament honours legacy of 91原创 woman

鈥� 2022 Ringette 鈥� Michelle Vandale Spirit of Winter Memorial Tournament, which took place in December, $2,000

鈥� 2023 Canadian National Track Field Championships, $12,000.

READ ALSO: 91原创 put on 鈥渁 great show鈥� at Bell Canadian Track and Field Championships: organizer

鈥� 2023 BC Soccer Provincial Championship, $4,500.

Financial support for these events is coming through the Major Events Program and Hosting BC. The province invests $500,000 annually in each program, for a combined $1 million for these events and opportunities.

Through the Major Events Program, non-for-profits are supported to host competitions and community development opportunities. Hosting BC is administered by viaSport, and supports organizations to put on smaller-scale events and opportunities for under-served and under-represented groups and regions.

Nearly 140 sport organizations throughout the province are benefiting.