NEWS: News Release
July 10, 2008
ONTARIO – IT’S TIME TO GET ACTIVE!
McGuinty Government Enhances Sport And Recreation Programs
Minister Best participates in a National Ballet of Canada’s YOU dance interactive workshop with kids following the announcement at Scadding Court Community Centre.
NEWS
Ontario is helping people of all ages and abilities get more active and remain healthy through physical activity programs offered across the province. This $7.5 million investment through the Communities In Action Fund, will support innovative sports and recreation projects to be provided through 20 provincial and 212 community-based sport and recreation organizations, which will include, for example:
- A seniors outreach project which will engage 500 seniors in new physical activity and fitness programming;
- Weekend cycling clinics throughout the summer for over 250 children;
- A soccer program for children and youth in seven First Nations communities; and
- A physical activity and nutrition-focused wellness program for homeless and under-serviced youth.
Over 300,000 Ontarians will benefits from today’s investment. The Communities In Action Fund (CIAF) provides funding to not-for-profit organizations, to help create a healthier Ontario.
QUOTES
“The Communities In Action Fund is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to invest in Ontarians and provide opportunities for people across the province to become physically active,” said Margarett Best, Ontario Minister of Health Promotion. “I am pleased that, for the fifth year, hundreds of new sport and recreation programs will be available to individuals who need them the most.”
“The funding we have received from the Government of Ontario will allow us to provide injury prevention education and programming opportunities for swimming to Aboriginal communities as well as individuals with special needs,” said Gail Botten, Program Advisor for the Canadian Red Cross, Ontario Zone. “The Communities In Action Fund helps organizations like ours provide more activities at the community level to make Ontarians healthier and more active.”
QUICK FACTS
- CIAF has benefited over one million Ontarians and over 800 organizations at the local and provincial level.
- With this year’s investment, CIAF has provided over $32 million to more than 1,000 organizations across Ontario.
LEARN MORE
CIAF is a key initiative of the government’s ACTIVE2010 Strategy and Ontario’s Action Plan for Healthy Eating and Active Living.
The Communities In Action Fund improves opportunities for community sport and recreation.
Andrew Campbell, Minister’s Office, 416-326-8500
Julie Rosenberg, Communications, 416-326-4833
