NEWS: News Release
August 2, 2007
Ontario Government Helping Cornwall Residents Lead Healthy, Active Lives
Communities In Action Fund Helping Ontarians Get Active For The Fourth Year
CORNWALL – Residents of Cornwall have a chance to get more active thanks to the McGuinty government’s investment of $21,500 in two local not-for-profit organizations this year through the Communities In Action Fund (CIAF), Jim Watson, Minister of Health Promotion, announced today along with Jim Brownell, MPP for Stormont, Dundas and Charlottenburg.
“CIAF grants are making it easier for residents in Cornwall to become more active,” said Jim Brownell, MPP Sormont-Dundas-Charlottenbrugh. “These grants will provide new and enhanced sport, recreation and physical activity programs that will improve the health and fitness of local families here in our community.”
Earlier today, Minister Watson and MPP Brownell visited the Cornwall Youth Centre to see a 2007-08 CIAF grant in action. With the help of the government’s $12,000 investment, the organization has partnered with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Cornwall Community Police and local health services to offer youth and families the opportunity to participate in free sport days at the Cornwall Youth Centre.
The Air Gliders Trampoline Club in Williamstown also received $9,500 through CIAF to expand its program and purchase new equipment.
“The Communities In Action Fund is a great example of how our government is providing new opportunities for physical activity, sport and recreation at the community level,” said Watson. “We want to encourage all Ontarians to lead active and healthy lives and, through CIAF, we are removing barriers that have prevented people from participating in sport and recreation programs.”
Last month Minister Watson announced an additional $2.5 million in CIAF funding to more than 100 community organizations to help increase sport participation and physical activity in the province. The government announced $5 million in grants this past May, bringing the total Communities in Action Fund (CIAF) investment to $7.5 million in 2007/08.
“Through the project ‘It’s My Choice’, the Youth Centre is excited to work closely with the Cornwall Community Police Service, the RCMP, and health services to ensure the project’s ongoing success,” said Josée Delisle, Executive Director of the Cornwall Youth Centre. “We strongly believe that these free monthly sporting activities will promote healthier lifestyles, while creating long lasting relationships between the young participants and these dedicated professionals.”
CIAF is a key initiative of the government’s ACTIVE2010 Strategy and Ontario’s Action Plan for Healthy Eating and Active Living. By improving opportunities for community sport and physical activity, CIAF helps to remove barriers to participation for children and youth, low-income families, aboriginal people, older adults, women and girls, visible/ethnic minorities and people with disabilities. Visit www.mhp.gov.on.ca for details.
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For further information:
Adam Grachnik
Minister’s Office
416-326-8497
Greg Flood
Ministry of Health Promotion
416-326-4806
