Federal, provincial governments launch community sports programs

The federal and provincial governments are joining together to launch community sports programs all over Vancouver Island.

This means people of all ages and abilities will have more opportunities get involved and get active.

The initiative is called the BC Sport Participation Program.

The Canadian and provincial governments are each making a matched donation of $1.2 million. The funds are aimed at getting people from various communities involved in sports like tennis, wheelchair basketball, para ice hockey and snowboarding, among others. 

The funds support sport programs, activities, coach and leadership training throughout the province. 

On Vancouver Island, some of the programs include:

• Purchasing new BMX track bikes for riders facing financial barriers in Cumberland
• Creating opportunities for people of all ages to go ice skating in Duncan
• Expanding the junior curling program so more youth can participate in the Comox Valley

The BCSPP provides grants to provincial and multi-sport organizations to help youth and those from under-represented backgrounds to learn about physical activity and to provide sport opportunities. 

Communities, Indigenous groups, and not-for-profit organizations can apply to receive grants to help them buy equipment, train leaders, coaches and officials, as well as teach participants. For more on the application process as well as the intake deadline, visit this link.