Legacy Fund Will Build Community Sport
The legacy of the 2011 Canada Games will live on in communities across the province.
Community sport organizations can now access funding through the Support4Sport Canada Games Sport Equipment Fund announced today, Feb. 6.
"It is a thrill to see Nova Scotians reaping the benefits of having hosted a successful Canada Games," said Games chair Jean-Paul Deveau. "On behalf of the staff and volunteers of the 2011 Canada Games Host Society, I hope that this fund will help communities across the province grow through sport."
The Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries and Casino Corporation kick-started the fund in 2010 with a $1 million contribution. The 2011 Canada Games Host Society announced the final surplus from the Canada Games will also go toward the fund, for a total of $1.6 million.
"In 2011, Nova Scotians were inspired by the young athletes who came to compete in Halifax," said Health Minister Dave Wilson. "Now communities across the province can come together through sport and recreation to be more active, healthy and competitive."
The fund will make increased resources available to community sport organizations across the province to offset the cost of equipment and help create or expand sport programs.
"We're thrilled to see this truly provincial legacy begin, and look forward to its impact," said Jamie Ferguson, CEO of Sport Nova Scotia. "More Nova Scotians taking part in sport means more Nova Scotians and their communities will be positively impacted by the health, economic and social benefits that sport participation provides."
Since 2006, the Support4Sport Program has raised more than $17.7 million to help athletes, coaches, officials and community programs that have reached more than 125,000 Nova Scotians.
"Everyone deserves an opportunity to enjoy the health and social benefits of participating in sport," said Halifax Regional Municipality Mayor Mike Savage. "This funding will make a positive difference in many lives, and support our goal of a healthy community."
The Halifax 2011 Canada Games generated more than $130 million in economic activity in Nova Scotia, created more than 1,100 jobs, and $40 million in wages and salaries. More than 11,500 people visited Halifax for the Games.
"Our government is proud to support the Canada Games, as they leave long-lasting sport and infrastructure legacies for Canadians," said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). "Not only did the Halifax 2011 Canada Winter Games benefit those who were involved as athletes, coaches, volunteers, and spectators, but thanks to the Canada Games Legacy Fund, a greater number of Nova Scotians will be able to participate in sport for years to come."
Bob MacKinnon, acting president and CEO of Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries and Casino Corporation, said they are happy to see the Support4Sport contribution to the legacy fund will continue to benefit amateur sport across the province.
"This wouldn't have been possible without the support of Nova Scotians, who continue to purchase the tickets that raise funds for the Support4Sport Program," said Mr. MacKinnon.
The Canada Games Legacy Fund will benefit youth for years to come in the areas of amateur sport and recreation. To apply for funding, visit http://www.sportnovascotia.ca.
FOR BROADCAST:
The legacy of the Halifax 2011 Canada Games continues to
live on in communities across the province. Community sport
organizations can now access funding through the 1-point-6
million-dollar Support-4-Sport Canada Games Sport Equipment
Fund.
The Halifax 2011 Canada Games generated more than 130-
million-dollars in economic activity in Nova Scotia, created
more than 1,100 jobs, and $40 million in wages and salaries.
More than 11,500 people visited Halifax for the Games.