$7.7 million in funding strengthens sustainability in BC Amateur Sport Sector

Vancouver, BC – To support B.C.’s amateur sport sector with rising costs and ensure families can continue to access sports in their communities, the Province has provided $7.7 million in year-end funding. 

“We recognize the amateur sport sector is facing affordability challenges and these funds will ease some of the pressures being experienced by provincial, disability and multi-sport organizations,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Through this funding our government is helping to maintain a strong and vibrant sport sector that continues to provide sport opportunities for everyone in B.C.’s amateur sport sector.”

viaSport distributed nearly $6.4 million of the $7.7 million provincial funding among its accredited BC Designated Sport Organizations. This included:

• $5,122,500 for viaSport’s accredited provincial, disability and multi-sport organizations
• $1,154,000 to assist with operational enhancements for viaSport’s accredited provincial, disability and multi-sport organizations

“This funding greatly benefited viaSport’s Designated Sport Organizations and provided much-needed financial support for priority programs and required system upgrades,” said Charlene Krepiakevich, CEO, viaSport BC. “Eighty per cent of the funds went directly to viaSport Accredited Provincial, Disability and Multi-Sport Organizations to help them elevate and expand the reach of amateur sport in BC, with the goal of sustainability in the sport sector during these tough economic times.”

As well, $100,000 of the $7.7 million, was allocated to viaSport’s Lead Forward Grant, a program supporting the development of women in sport leadership. The remaining funds were used to further amateur sport system enhancements that included:

• $1,154,000 towards sport sector data and information management
• $169,500 to support implementation of a sport volunteer strategy to help bring more volunteers to the amateur sport system.