Local sports clubs relieved by recent funding announcement

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WatchThe world of sports has been greatly impacted by the pandemic, especially those on the amateur side of things. With registration fees and sponsorships being brought to a halt, local leagues and organizations are struggling to keep things running. But as Ben Nesbit tells us, help is on the way.

A recent B.C. government announcement appears to have hit a home run with local sports organizations.

On Friday, the province announced $1.5 million in funding for community sports organizations to help survive the pandemic.

The funding will help local sports clubs and organizations weathering the impacts of the COVID-19 pay their bills, society dues, salaries, and maintenance fees, helping them to plan for an eventual full return to sport.

Organizations have until October 16th to apply for a one-time payment of $7,500.

“For many athletes and families, local sports organizations provide the important physical, mental and social benefits sports offer, which we need more than ever,” said Lisa Beare, minister of tourism, arts and culture. “This funding will help local organizations so they can continue to support children, families, and our communities with healthy activities.”

Over the past few months, the Victoria Mariners have been playing against other Vancouver Island organizations after baseball was given the green light by the provincial government as it moved to phase three of its restart.

Dina Franklin, treasurer of the club, said COVID-19 has impacted parents and sponsors, which is where they receive a large majority of their money.

“With COVID Parents are feeling the pinch, the financial pinch, businesses are also feeling the financial pinch, so that’s mainly how we can fund our programs, through registration fees and through sponsorships,” said Franklin.

As the colder months approach and training moves indoors for many clubs, including the Mariners, the provincial funding will be crucial for keeping players safe.

“We’re not going to be able to have an entire team in there at once so we’ll have to rent more hours in order to have all of the players go through and get their training. So that funding is going to come in handy.” Franklin said.

The money will also be key to keeping under-represented populations, such as Indigenous peoples, girls and women, low-income individuals, persons with disabilities, and newcomers involved in sport.

Vince Grecom, the executive director of the Vancouver Island Soccer Association, said the money will go a long way.

“First Nations people will be able to access this and be a part of our league a bit more and it will go a long way as far as targeting those people as well and helping out people that are you know, low to medium risk,” said Grecom.

Ben NesbitBen Nesbit

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