The Governments of Canada and Yukon Announce $840,000 to Increase Participation in Sport
WHITEHORSE, December 5, 2003 -- Secretary of State (Physical Activity and Sport) Paul DeVillers and Yukon's Minister of Community Services Glenn Hart today announced funding of $840,000 for the three-year Pan-Territorial Sport Strategy: Yukon Program."This initiative brings us a step closer to realizing the vision of the Canadian Sport Policy for a more inclusive sport system," said Secretary of State DeVillers. "By reducing barriers to participation in sport, the Pan-Territorial Strategy in the Yukon will make sport more accessible to Canadians, and in particular Aboriginal youth, women, and girls, so that they may enjoy the pleasures and benefits of sport."
"The North faces unique sport participation challenges. This funding agreement will help the Yukon government enhance existing programs and create new ones to meet these challenges," said Minister Hart. "In particular, it will increase the participation and development of Yukon athletes and coaches in the 2007 Canada Winter Games. The initiatives funded by this agreement will help build Yukon's sport development legacy beyond the 2007 Games."
The Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon will match funds annually over the life of the agreement, each government will provide $140,000 a year towards enhancing participation in sport, a central pillar of the Canadian Sport Policy.
The aim of the Pan-Territorial Sport Strategy: Yukon Program is to assist in removing the barriers that exist for under-represented groups through programming initiatives and incentives. The Strategy will establish training and skill development programs that encourage and support sport participation, with particular attention to Aboriginal youth, women, and girls. Through the Best Ever program, athletes and coaches will benefit from more access to the best training and competitive opportunities available as they prepare for the 2007 Canada Winter Games. The Strategy will also help strengthen Yukon's volunteer base and support training for recreation leaders.
The Pan-Territorial Sport Strategy is a joint federal-territorial initiative developed by Sport Canada and the territorial governments. The vision, principles, and goals of the Strategy, outlined in 2002, are consistent with the pillars of the Canadian Sport Policy, which are to enhance participation, excellence, capacity, and interaction. The Pan-Territorial Strategy aims to increase collaboration among northern communities to improve access to and increase participation in quality sport activities. The Strategy also seeks to increase the number of athletes, coaches, and officials from the Territories and support them in achieving their desired level of excellence.
Bilateral agreements under the Policy have now been signed in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nunavut and Northwest Territories.
Overall, the Government of Canada provides $90 million in annual funding to support the Canadian sport system. To learn more about the various sport-related programs offered by the Government of Canada, visit the Canadian Heritage Web site at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/sportcanada
Information:
Mario Tremblay
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State (Physical Activity and Sport)
Government of Canada
(819) 953-7329
Peter Carr
Cabinet Communication Advisor
Government of Yukon
(867) 953-8688
Marie-Louise Boylan
Policy and Communication Analyst
Community Services
Government of Yukon
(867) 393-7490
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