Alberta Women, Aboriginal People among those to benefit from $1.2M Sport Initiative
EDMONTON, December 8, 2003 -- Secretary of State (Physical Activity and Sport) Paul DeVillers and Alberta's Minister of Community Development Gene Zwozdesky today announced funding of $1.2 million to help under-represented groups, including girls and women, Aboriginal people, the economically disadvantaged persons, and persons with disabilities, to experience the benefits of participating in sport."This partnership represents an important step toward realizing the vision of the Canadian Sport Policy for a more inclusive sport system," said Secretary of State DeVillers. "The Canada-Alberta initiative targets individuals and communities that traditionally experience barriers to participation. By easing access to sport, this joint initiative will ensure that more Canadians enjoy the pleasures and benefits of physical activity and sport."
"Through this new funding agreement, Alberta will increase grassroots sport participation opportunities for residents of Alberta who face barriers, such as individuals with disabilities. This is part of the province's longstanding tradition of being an inclusive and caring place to live," said Minister Zwozdesky. "The funding agreement also helps to address a recommendation in Alberta's proposed sport plan, which complements the Canadian Sport Policy."
The governments of Canada and Alberta will provide $600,000 and $625,000, respectively, over three years to support the following programs: Go Girl: Introduction to Sport Programs; FunTeam Alberta; Indigenous Sport Council: Run, Jump, Throw and Sport Camps; Path to 2010: Wheelchair Curling and Sledge Hockey; and Leadership Development Programs.
Through these programs, participants will develop leadership skills, improve their self-esteem, learn important life skills and values, and enhance their cultural awareness. The programs will also help to foster family support, build a sense of community, and promote youth wellness.
The Canada-Alberta partnership is an initiative 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, underscore the importance of sport and physical activity to the health of Canadians, and build a more integrated and harmonious environment to improve the sport experience. Bilateral agreements under the Policy have now been signed in Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, British Columbia, Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon.
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)
(819) 953-7329
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