St. John’s Organizations and Schools Receive Recreation Funding

Recreation in St. John’s has been given a boost through the Provincial Government’s Capital Grant Program. A total of $60,000 in funding has been provided to the St. John’s Masters Softball Association, St. John’s Curling Association, St. Mary’s Elementary School, and St. Matthew’s Elementary School.

“The objective of the Capital Grant Program is to increase community access to recreation and sport facilities and equipment, thereby encouraging residents to become more physically active,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “The Provincial Government is committed to improving access for all and this program helps to do just that.”

The St. John’s Masters Softball Association is using their $15,000 grant to help repair the Bill Rahal Memorial field.

“The facilities at Bill Rahal field have served recreational softball players of all ages for over 30 years,” said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Natural Resources and MHA for St. John's Centre. “The Provincial Government’s investment will enable the upgrading and modernization of this important recreational facility to enhance the enjoyment of softball for many hundreds of players annually.”

The $15,000 grant provided to the St. John’s Curling Association is being used to replace the walls of the curling club.

“We are very fortunate to have a number of quality sports and recreational facilities in our area,” said Ed Buckingham, MHA for St. John’s East. “The St. John's Curling Club will use these upgrades to maintain the facility’s integrity and safety. I am delighted this assistance is available.”

St. Mary’s Elementary School is using the $15,000 in funding to assist with the purchase of new playground equipment.

“The recreation investment in St. Mary’s Elementary School provides additional opportunity for physical fitness and promotes a healthier population,” said Tom Osborne, MHA for St. John’s South. “Healthy living is a focus of the Provincial Government.”

St. Matthew’s Elementary School is upgrading the playground area with their $15,000 grant.

“I am delighted that this funding will enable St. Matthew’s Elementary to further enhance the recreation and physical activity program for students,” said Sheila Osborne, MHA for St. John’s West.

The St. John’s Masters Softball Association, St. John’s Curling Association, St. Mary’s Elementary, and St. Matthew’s Elementary are among more than 50 community-based organizations, municipalities, schools and recreation commissions that have received funding to upgrade their recreation and sport infrastructure through these latest Capital Grant Program investments.

Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador provides $11.5 million to support recreation and sport in the province. Since the launch of the Provincial Government’s recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador in 2007, more than $70 million has been committed to recreational and sport infrastructure, programming, and athlete development throughout the province.

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2011 08 24                              3:50 p.m.