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Winter Spirit grant encourages getting active

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 2:30 PST, Fri February 7, 2020

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

People facing barriers to sport participation will benefit from a one-time grant program.

The 2020 Winter Spirit Grants builds on the legacy and community spirit of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games. By expanding winter sport experiences for a new generation of British Columbians, especially those who face barriers to participation such as lower-income families, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, women and girls, older adults, and newcomers to Canada. This will give them more opportunities to try out accessible winter sport activities in their communities. 

Administered by viaSport, the grants are funded through the joint provincial-federal BC Sport Participation Program (BCSPP). The program has a total value of $50,000. 

“The 2010 Games ignited a sense of pride and inclusion throughout the province, uniting people from all backgrounds to cheer on our athletes and celebrate Canada,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “These grants are meant to channel that Olympic spirit and give more people the opportunity to feel the power of sport.” 

Community organizations can apply for funding of up to $2,010 to provide new or adaptive winter sport experiences that promote unity and inclusion through sport. These might include try-it events or mini- camps to introduce youth to a sport, or friendly inter-community tournaments to remind adults of the winter sports they used to love. Applications may be submitted by not-for-profit clubs and associations, municipalities, community centres and Indigenous bands or community associations by Feb. 29, 2020. Events and activities must take place by March 31. 

“The 2010 Games created spirit and pride in British Columbia. As a legacy of the Games, the power of sport lives on in communities around the province and this grant further enables British Columbians to experience and participate in positive sport experiences in their communities,” said Charlene Krepiakevich, chief executive officer of viaSport. 

The grant intake period coincides with viaSport’s campaign to celebrate the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The campaign will encourage people to share experiences and memories of the 2010 Games using #2010Memories and inspire an ongoing commitment to inclusive, accessible and quality sport in 2020 and into the future. 

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