St. Barbe Recreation Programs Get $16,500 Boost

Community-based recreation programs in the St. Barbe area have received $16,500 through the Community Recreation Development Grant (CRDG) Program, which is designed to help small, rural communities deliver recreation and active-living programs.

"The benefits of living an active, healthy lifestyle are well documented," said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "This is part of the Provincial Government's efforts to support municipalities and recreation committees, particularly those in rural areas, which encourage residents of all ages to become engaged in programming which contributes to their overall well-being."

Investments in the St. Barbe area are as follows:

• Town of Trout River — $5,060;
• Town of Parson's Pond — $4,290;
• Town of Bird Cove — $3,465;
• Town of St. Paul's — $2,805; and,
• Portland Creek Recreation Committee — $880.

"Financial support of recreation and active-living programs is especially important in the more rural communities of Newfoundland and Labrador, where cost can make the provision of such opportunities a challenge," said St. Barbe MHA Wallace Young. "Our government is working to ensure improved access to these programs for people throughout the province of all ages and backgrounds."

Community Recreation Development Grants are available to communities of 6,000 or less. Applications are considered based on their alignment with the priorities outlined in the Provincial Government's recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador (2007). These priorities include providing increased access to programming for all residents; making the best use of community facilities; building capacity within communities to deliver programming; and, promoting the inclusion of traditionally under-represented groups, especially women and girls, seniors, Aboriginal people, and those with disabilities.

For more information on the CRDG Program, and criteria for application, visit: www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/sports/community_recreation_development_grants.html. 

Budget 2010: The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future provides over $1.2 million in new funding to improve existing programming and introduce new initiatives which support the goals and objectives of Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador. Since the launch of the strategy, more than $70 million in Provincial Government funding has been committed to recreational and sport infrastructure, programming, and athlete development.

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2010 08 11                                                   9:40 a.m.