The Social Planning and Research Council of British Columbia (SPARC BC), which focuses on social justice issues and works with communities on issues such as accessibility, community development, income security and social planning is accepting applications to help support local sports. This includes municipalities as well as Aboriginal and community organizations to help increase sport opportunities for British Columbian’s of all ages and abilities.
The Local Sport Program Development Fund provides grants of up to $2,000 for sport programs that aim to increase access to residents of BC. The grant spectrum includes opportunities for clubs that are already in existence but may be looking to start a new division such as a youth sector, a new sport program that requires specialized equipment or coach training as well as a club that would like to introduce their sport to schools.
Several Northern communities have been awarded the full grant to start things such as a lacrosse team in Fort St. James, to certify rock climbing instructors in Terrace, and a kids night at the Archery Club in Fort St. John.
The deadline for the first application is approaching fast on Oct. 3 however, there will be a second application period that will be launched in the new year.
For more information, to see the program guidelines or to download an application form please visit www.2010legaciesnow.com/local_sport_development_fund/.