Community Sports groups to get financial assist from Province, Federal governments

Prince Rupert Youth Soccer is just
one of a number of sports and
activities on the sidelines this summer
owing to COVID

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have an impact on our public events and activities, a particular hit has been delivered to the many sports organizations across British Columbia/

Since the virus first took hold in March many have suspended or cancelled their seasons to date, others continue to their plans for the months ahead to see if some form of a safe start is possible.

Towards some assistance to the more than 4,100 sports organizations in British Columbia, the provincial government announced some increased support on Tuesday; looking to cushion some of the impact from reduced registration fees, event revenues and team and league sponsorships.

Lisa Beare, the province's Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture outlined the scope of the 1.5 million dollars in funding yesterday, noting how it will help pay some of the bills during this challenging period of time.

“We want people of all ages, backgrounds and levels of ability to be able to gain the physical and mental benefits sport offers. People in the sport community have felt the effects of COVID-19 profoundly. This funding will help local organizations pay their bills and keep our communities active.”

More on the plans from the province can be explored here.

The Federal Government is also stepping up with its efforts, with Canadian Heritage to allocate 3.4 million dollars to the province; part of national program of support for communities, the federal funding will be delivered through the viaSport organization.

viaSport is a non profit organization that serves as the administrator of the two levels of government's financial commitments to sport in BC.

More on the Federal programs can be reviewed here.

The COVID pandemic has brought much of the Prince Rupert and area minor sports programming to a halt, along with the suspension of those programs, the city's major recreation venues of the Civic Centre and Earl Mah Aquatic Centre all remain closed to the public.

The City has as of yet not outlined what kind of timeline they may have in mind to reopen those facilities to the public.

More notes on City Council discussion themes related to COVID can be found from our Council archive page here, while more items of interest from the legislature can be viewed here.

Further background on community events can be explored here.