Paul Devillers Attends Launch of the Dynamic Opportunities for Youth Rowing Program
TORONTO, September 9, 2002 -- Secretary of State (Amateur Sport) Paul DeVillers today attended the launch of Foundation 2000 Plus's Dynamic Opportunities for Youth Program.The Government of Canada is proud to support Dynamic Opportunities for Youth as it enables more Canadians to experience and benefit from involvement in sport. "Sport can be a powerful force in a young person's life. I am confident that the young participants of this program will come to appreciate the benefits of working as a team and discover a new passion for rowing," said Mr. DeVillers.
The Dynamic Opportunities for Youth Program uses rowing to provide guidance and coaching to youth at risk through a five-week "Learn to Row" program, which helps them develop both their sport and life skills in a supportive yet challenging environment.
In July, the Secretary of State announced $40,000 in funding for Rowing Canada under the Sport Participation Development Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage, Sport Canada. This funding has allowed the Dynamic Opportunities for Youth Program to expand its reach in 2002 to benefit 250 at-risk youth -- up from 172 in 2001.
The Sport Participation Development Program supports projects to increase participation in sport. The program was developed on the basis that all Canadians should have access to and benefit from participating in quality sport activities at all levels. It focuses on collaborative efforts involving communities, schools, sport organizations and all three levels of government in the delivery of sport to Canadians.
The Sport Participation Development Program was created in April 2002, following the endorsement of the new Canadian Sport Policy by all 14 federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for sport, fitness and recreation. The Canadian Sport Policy is designed to enhance sport throughout Canada over the next 10 years in the areas of participation, excellence, capacity and interaction. It aims to create and support an integrated athlete-/participant-centred sport model that ensures the seamless progress from playground to podium so that athletes/participants can realize the full extent of their abilities and interests.
Information:
Mario Tremblay
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State (Amateur Sport)
(819) 956-7329
[ Media Room ]
