The governments of Canada and Northwest Territories announce an initiative to increase participation in sport
YELLOWKNIFE, December 4, 2003 -- Secretary of State (Physical Activity and Sport) Paul DeVillers and the Northwest Territories' Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Vince Steen, today announced funding of more than $1 million for the Pan-Territorial Sport Strategy: Northwest Territories Program."This program represents a vital step toward realizing the vision of the Canadian Sport Policy for a more inclusive sport system," said Secretary of State DeVillers. "The Pan-Territorial Sport Strategy in the Northwest Territories aims to strengthen cooperation among stakeholders in the sport system so that every Canadian, and particularly youth, will experience the health and social benefits from increased access to and participation in sport."
"This agreement provides significant , long-term funding for the development of sport in the Northwest Territories," said Minister Steen. "This is especially important in our smaller, more remote communities where young athletes don't always have access to the tools for developing their skills and talents to their maximum potential."
The aim of the Pan-Territorial Sport Strategy: Northwest Territories Program is to involve a higher number of people living in the Territories in quality sport activities at all levels and in all forms of participation. The program will foster an environment where more athletes, coaches, and officials from the Territories can achieve their desired level of excellence. Cooperation and collaboration in sport management will be strengthened amongst governments, sport organizations, community members, and interested stakeholders.
The Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories will each provide $510,000 over three years toward this initiative to enhance participation in sport, which is a central pillar of the Canadian Sport Policy.
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 in order 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.
The Canadian Sport Policy, endorsed by all federal, provincial, and territorial governments in 2002, targets increased participation as one of the key areas for improvement in Canada's sport system. It sets a goal to improve participation through targeted initiatives in quality sport activities, in all segments of society, by 2012.
The Canadian Sport Policy was developed by government and sport community representatives to create a more effective and transparent sport system, underscore the importance of sport and physical activity to the health of Canadians, build a more integrated and harmonious environment to improve the sport experience, and improve opportunities for Canadians to compete successfully at the highest levels of international competition. Bilateral agreements under the Policy have now been signed in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nunavut ans 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
Ian Legaree
Director
Sport, Recreation & Youth
Department of Municipal & Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
(867) 873-7245
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