Two local clubs received government funding for their activity programs through the joint federal-provincial BC Sport Participation Program (BCSPP).
Powell River Curling Club was awarded $2,100 toward its Stick Curling - Seniors Staying Active program, which provides low-cost introductory curling instruction to seniors, and Powell River Gymnastics and Cheer Club received $800 to train its coaches to be Level 2 trampoline certified. The updated certification will ensure trampoline can be offered as part of local gymnastics programming.
This year, the governments of Canada and BC are making matched investments totalling more than $1.2 million aimed at getting more people of all abilities active in their communities and involved in a variety of sports, such as tennis, wheelchair basketball, para ice hockey and snowboarding. The funding supports sport programs, activities and coach and leadership training in communities throughout BC.
“People in Powell River benefit from these opportunities to stay active and get involved in sport,” said Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons. “These grants will go a long way towards making sports more accessible in our community.”
The funds are welcomed by the curling club, said president Don Mitchinson. He hopes that many in the community will take advantage of the curling course offered this fall and winter.
“Powell River is known for the rain in the winter, which can be isolating for seniors, especially those with mobility issues,|” said Mitchinson. “Through this grant, our club can now offer programming to introduce the new sport of stick curling, providing opportunities for seniors to stay active both physically and socially in a safe, welcoming environment.”
