More than 90 recreation organizations and municipalities throughout the province have received a total of $142,000 through the 2010-11 Minor Project Capital Grant Program (MPCGP), which is designed to help offset the cost of minor upgrades to existing recreational facilities and equipment.

"Sometimes a relatively small amount of funding can make a big difference to an organization's ability to provide programs and services that encourage residents to take part in activities that promote an active, healthy lifestyle," said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "This program supports minor capital projects and equipment purchases; complements other recreation and sport infrastructure initiatives, and further demonstrates the Provincial Government's commitment to helping eligible groups conduct activities in a safe and inviting environment."

A complete list of the approved funding can be found in the backgrounder below.

Under the MPCGP, successful applicants receive grants between $1,000 to $3,000 for projects that support physical activity and recreational opportunities for residents within a community and surrounding region. For more information on the program, visit: //www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/sports/minor_project_capital_grants.html 

Budget 2010: The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future provides about $7 million through the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation — including over $1.3 million in new funding — to support recreation and sport initiatives. Since the launch of the Provincial Government's recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador (2007), more than $70 million has been committed to recreational and sport infrastructure, programming, and athlete development throughout the province.

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Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca