Sport organizations receive provincial relief funding

Jan 21, 2021 | 11:21 AM

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.”

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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