Funding to help kids overcome barriers to sport participation

Kids and adults who face obstacles to participating in sport programs will benefit from a $2.8-million cash injection to the B.C. Sport Participation Program (BCSPP) from the federal and provincial governments combined.

BCSPP has introduced over half a million British Columbians to sport since its inception in 2004 and trained more than 20,000 coaches and sport leaders.

The funding renewal, signed by federal Minister of State (Sport) Bal Gosal and B.C.’s Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Coralee Oakes, enables the program to continue for another three years. Programs are delivered throughout the province.

The BCSPP provides grants to provincial and multi-sport organizations for programs that help increase participation in sport, particularly for under-represented groups, including Aboriginal, disabled, low-income, and seniors populations. Examples of programs funded in the past include Gymnastics BC’s Kids CanMove, BC Wheelchair Sports’ Bridging the Gap, and Cross Country BC’s Ski S’Kool program.