Newfoundland and Labrador's older citizens will have more opportunities to engage in physical activities and recreation, thanks to a $387,200 Provincial Government investment in seniors' recreational programming.

The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, was at the Froude Avenue Community Centre in St. John's this morning to announce that more than 100 organizations in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador will benefit from the newly-established Seniors Community Recreation Grant Program. Minister French was joined by Keith Hutchings, Parliamentary Secretary, representing the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services, and the Honourable Shawn Skinner, MHA for the District of St. John's Centre.

"One of the main goals of the provincial recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador, is to provide more opportunities for all of our residents to participate in recreation and sport programs that promote increased physical activity," said Minister French. "The program supports a variety of projects, including the purchase of new fitness equipment, the organization of walking tours, swimming, bowling and dancing activities, field trips, and more. In essence, it's designed to encourage our senior residents to be more physically active and more involved in their community, which is critical to their overall well-being."

A list of approved grants can be viewed in the backgrounder below.

The Seniors Community Recreation Grant Program is being delivered in collaboration with the Department of Health and Community Services, as part of its Healthy Aging Policy Framework.

"The Williams Government is committed to fostering healthy lifestyles for all residents of our province," said Minister Kennedy. "Since the launch of the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework in 2007, this government has been making strategic investments designed to create age-friendly communities which support seniors and value their significant contribution to our society. The funding announced today will help offer a variety of programming to keep seniors fit and active, a key component of the healthy aging framework."

"Seniors today are much more conscious of their own health and want to remain active to achieve optimal health benefits," said Minister Skinner "The grants given today support the seniors in attaining their goals of healthy, active living."

Karen Moores, chair of the board of the Froude Avenue Community Centre, said the Centre is pleased to have received a $4,000 grant through the program.

"Our community has many residents who will be assisted in their participation in community recreation and social programs," said Ms. Moores. "Too often older residents are in their homes and not fully involved in community activities. This grant will provide the support needed to enable their involvement."

The Seniors Community Recreation Grant Program is application-based and provides up to $4,000 to assist in the delivery of new or enhanced recreational programs and services. For more information, please visit: www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/sports/seniors_community.html 

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