Sport organizations receive provincial relief funding
Fifty community sport organizations in the Interior, including 32 in the Okanagan-Shuswap, will receive financial support from the province’s $1.5-million Local Sport Relief Fund.
COVID-19 has resulted in the cancellation of most sports, and that has put organizations in difficult financial circumstances.
A total of 288 organizations will be supported by the fund.
“Coaches, volunteers and board members have worked around the clock to ensure people can keep active and gain the physical and mental benefits of sport during the pandemic,” Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Melanie Mark said. “We heard their challenges to meet financial pressures with current health orders in place and are proud to provide this additional support so our communities can continue to offer sport in a safe way.”
“Our government recognizes the important role local sport organizations play across the Okanagan. I’ve connected with local representatives from the sporting community and heard their concerns.” Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee, said. This funding will be instrumental in helping them regain financial footing so they can continue to offer opportunities for physical activity, fun and teamwork for everyone.”
The Local Sport Relief Fund covers administration and operational costs for local sports organizations dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible expenses include insurance, administrative costs, rent, storage costs, equipment essential to providing sports programs and COVID-19 related supplies, such as cleaning products, signage and personal protective equipment. Given the significant number of applications received for the initial Local Sport Relief Fund, the ministry is considering other opportunities to support the sport sector.
“The pandemic has led to some significant financial challenges,” Theresa Cooper, executive director, Okanagan Gymnastics Centre said. “With this funding grant from the Province of B.C., we will be able to weather the storm and ensure that we can continue to offer safe programming, both now and into the future.”
Here is a list of Okanagan-Shuswap sport organizations that received relief funding:
- BPR Junior Team Association Kelowna Triathlon
- Glengarry Figure Skating Club Penticton
- Greater Vernon Ringette Association
- Kelowna College Basketball Society
- Kelowna Curling Club
- Kelowna Lawn Bowling Club
- Kelowna Minor Hockey Association
- Kelowna Ski Club Kelowna
- Kelowna Speed Skating Club
- Kelowna United Football Club
- Okanagan Athletics Club Society
- Okanagan Gymnastics Centre Society
- Okanagan Mainline Football Society
- Kelowna Football Okanagan Mission Hall Association Tennis or Wheelchair Tennis
- Penticton BMX Society
- Penticton Curling Club
- Penticton Dragon Boat Festival Society
- Penticton Dragon Boating Society
- Penticton Lawn Bowling Club
- Penticton Minor Fastpitch/Softball Association
- Penticton Softball
- Pinnacles Football Club Association Soccer, Power Soccer, Futsal or Football 5-aside
- Salmon Arm Curling Club
- Salmon Arm Waves Masters Swimming Club
- Shuswap Dragon Boat Society
- Silver Star Freestyle Ski Club
- Two X Elle Cycling Association Kelowna
- Vernon Figure Skating Club
- Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club
- Vernon Alpine Ski Club
- West Kelowna Minor Baseball Association
- Winfield Figure Skating Club