Media Releases
October 15 , 2003
Manitoba Youth to Benefit from $1.2 Million Sport Initiative
Winnipeg - Secretary of State (Physical Activity and Sport) Paul DeVillers and Manitoba's minister responsible for sport Eric Robinson today announced $1.2 million in funding to help young people benefit from participation in sport through the Canada-Manitoba Sport Development Partnership.
"This Partnership represents an important step in realizing the vision of the Canadian Sport Policy for a more inclusive sport system," said Secretary of State DeVillers. "By targeting individuals and communities that traditionally experience barriers to participation, the Canada-Manitoba Sport Development Partnership will ensure that more Canadians have access to the pleasure and benefits of sport."
"Sport participation is an important part of life that brings a wide range of health and social benefits to communities and it must be available to all children and young people," said Robinson. "The Canada-Manitoba Sport Development Partnership will improve access to sport and recreation for the communities and people who do not now have the access they should. I am confident that this partnership will lead to a stronger, more inclusive sport system for all. In February 2003, Ministers responsible for Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity committed to increase physical activity by 10 percentage points in each province and territory by 2010. This partnership reflects Manitoba's commitment to accomplishing that goal."
Aboriginal and new immigrant populations, as well as northern, remote, and inner urban communities, will benefit from the initiative. The aim of the Partnership is to ensure a sustained growth in sport participation and recreation by coordinating the energy and resources of the Manitoba's sport, fitness, and recreation sectors, governments, community organizations, and the private sector. Targeted projects will be identified over the next several months and will include traditional and non-traditional sport and recreation areas.
The governments of Canada and Manitoba will each provide $560,000 over three years to the initiative. In addition, Sport Manitoba, through an in-kind contribution of $90,000 over three years, will coordinate and administer the program. The Canada-Manitoba Sport Development Partnership will also encourage support from other partners including municipal governments, community foundations, sport legacy funds, private sector organizations, donations, and other government programs.
The Canada-Manitoba Sport Development 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, to underscore the importance of sport and physical activity to the health of Canadians, and to build a more integrated and harmonious environment to improve the sport experience. Bilateral agreements under the Policy have now been signed in both Manitoba and Nova Scotia.
Overall, the Government of Canada provides $90 million in annual funding to support the Canadian sport system. To learn more about the various programs offered by the Government of Canada in the area of sport, visit the Canadian Heritage Web site at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/sportcanada
Manitoba Sport is the provincial department that provides funding to its agency Sport Manitoba in support of: sport organisations, community sport programs, full-time municipal recreation directors, and leadership training.
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For more information, contact:
Barry Moroz
Sport Manitoba Communications
925-5903
