Canada and New Brunswick Announce New Initiative Under the Canadian Sport Policy
FREDERICTON, October 23, 2003 -- Secretary of State (Physical Activity and Sport) Paul DeVillers and New Brunswick's Minister Responsible for the Culture and Sport Secretariat Percy Mockler today announced $720,000 in funding for the Active Community School Sport project to help young people benefit from participation in sport and physical activity."This program brings us another step closer to realizing the vision of the Canadian Sport Policy for a more inclusive sport system," said Secretary of State DeVillers. "By targeting the school community, the initiative will help eliminate barriers and increase participation in sport programs. The Active Community School Sport project will ensure that more Canadians, youth, experience the pleasures and benefits of sport."
"The Active Community School Sport project will complement our successful School Communities in ACTION program by building stronger linkages between schools and community sport programs," said Mr. Mockler. "This investment will enhance the New Brunswick sport system at the grass roots level by providing greater sport opportunities and increased participation for the children and youth of New Brunswick."
The Active Community School Sport project is based on a school-community approach to sport development. It expands on the New Brunswick School Communities in ACTION program, which assists schools in maintaining a variety of physical activity opportunities through community partnerships. Through these initiatives, students increase their awareness of the benefits of sport and regular physical activity, and increased participation in sport programs builds active and healthy communities. The Active Community School Sport project will also enhance skill development for participants through specialized and certified instructors.
The governments of Canada and New Brunswick will each provide $360,000 over two years toward the goal of enhanced participation under the Canadian Sport Policy.
The Policy, endorsed by all federal, provincial and territorial governments in 2002, targets participation as one of the key areas for improvement in Canada's sport system. It sets a goal to improve participation in quality sport activities in all segments of society by 2012.
The Canadian Sport Policy was developed to create a more effective and transparent sport system, to underscore the importance of sport and physical activity to the health of Canadians, to build a more integrated and harmonious environment to improve the sport experience, and to improve opportunities for Canadians to compete successfully at the highest levels of international competition.
Overall, the Government of Canada provides $90M in annual funding to support the Canadian sport system. To learn more about the various programs offered by the Government of Canada in the area of sport, visit the Canadian Heritage Web site at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/sportcanada
The New Brunswick Government Culture and Sport Secretariat, through the Sport, Recreation and Active Living Branch, provides leadership and supports program initiatives in sport, recreation and active living, in partnership with municipalities and provincial, regional and local volunteer organizations. The Secretariat also encourages the participation of New Brunswick citizens in physical activities and the pursuit of excellence. Visit the Culture and Sport Secretariat Web site at www.gnb.ca/0131/sportdev-e.asp
Information:
Mario Tremblay
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State (Physical Activity and Sport)
Government of Canada
(819) 953-7329
Étienne Allard
Director of Communications
Intergovernmental and International Relations and Culture and Sport Secretariat
Government of New Brunswick
(506) 457-7397
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