NLIS 2 October 31, 2002 (Tourism, Culture and Recreation) Applications available for Athlete Assistance Program Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced today that applications are now available for the provincial Athlete Assistance Program. The program is designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying amateur athletes who are training to represent the province at national and international competitions, Canada Games, or those who have been identified as potential national team members. Last year, the 2001-2002 Athlete Assistance Program provided 56 athletes with assistance totalling $43,000. Nine athletes received $1,500 grants, 13 received $1,000 grants and 34 received $500 grants. In total, approximately 170 athletes applied to the program. In addition, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation provided 25 different provincial sport organizations with assistance. "This assistance is very beneficial to our athletes," said Minister Bettney. "The Athlete Assistance Program helps offset some of the costs associated with travelling, training and competing. Our amateur athletes often need help to further develop their skills and to pursue their athletic excellence and this program is an excellent resource for them." Applications for the Athlete Assistance Program are now available from provincial sport organizations, the Physical Education Department at Memorial University of Newfoundland, the Sir Wilfred Grenfell Campus of Memorial University of Newfoundland, College of the North Atlantic, Sport Newfoundland and Labrador, the Newfoundland and Labrador High School Athletic Federation and the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation or the department�s web site www.gov.nl.ca/tcr/athlete. Grants will range from $500 to $1,500 and are subject to recommendations by provincial sport organizations, budget allocations and the quality and number of candidates. The Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation has established several guidelines and criteria for the selection process and reserves the right to make the final selection. Applicants must submit applications to their respective provincial sport organization on or before November 29, 2002. Further information on the Athlete Assistance Program can be obtained by calling the Recreation and Sport Division, Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation at (709) 729-2779. Media contact: Melony O�Neill, Communications, (709) 729-0928. Backgrounder
2002 10 31 1:25 p.m. |
|||||
|