VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, APRIL 4, 2008 - The Government of Canada today announced funding for KidSport Canada, a national not-for-profit organization that benefits children and families in Vancouver and many other communities s across Canada.
Speaking before KidSport Canada representatives in Vancouver, the Honourable Helena Guergis, Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) and Secretary of State (Sport), made the announcement on behalf of the Honou rable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development.
"The Government of Canada is proud to support organizations like KidSport Canada, which has developed a program that will give more children the opportunity to play sports," said Secretary of State Guergis. "Being active promotes not only healthy living, but also a stronger well-being and healthy families."
Secretary of State Guergis highlighted another key initiative that is helping children become active: "To su pport parents with the enrolment costs of their children's sporting activities, in 2006 our government introduced the first-ever children's fitness tax credit. Families across Canada are now benefiting from this initiative."
Through the Social De velopment Partnerships Program, the Government of Canada is investing $275,000 in KidSport over the next three years. This grant will give children and families from different cultures the opportunity to participate in sport and become involved in their communities as coaches, officials and volunteers. The grant will also benefit KidSport Canada by enabling it to continue to diversify and secure funding from corporate sponsors, foundations and donors. The funding received from these groups supports ini tiatives that benefit children 18 years of age and younger, including registration, equipment and program development.
"Involvement in organized sport helps kids become more active. It also helps families become involved in their community," said Ms. Sandra Stevenson, Chief Executive Officer of KidSport Canada. "The grant from the federal government will help ensure equitable access to many more young Canadians and their families. I am proud of the role sport can play in building strong healthy communities, and I wish to thank the Government for its support."
The Social Development Partnerships Program makes investments to support Government of Canada priorities related to children and families, people with disabilities and other popula tions. The Program also allows national non-profit organizations with local chapters, agencies and offices to deliver front line programs and services to children, youth and families in communities across Canada.
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For more information (media only):
Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Solberg
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
