The B.C. government has announced new financial measures to help support amateur sports organizations in the province.
In a release issued April 1, the B.C. government says eligible “provincial, disability and multi-sport organizations” in the province will now be able to access a funding pool of $5 million, which represents 50 per cent of the government’s 2020-21 allocation for those organizations.
The move, according to the province, is to give those organizations quicker access to cashflow during the coronavirus pandemic.
Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said in a statement that the coronavirus has resulted in the cancellation of tournaments, training schedules and other activities and has had an impact on the province’s athletes, coaches, officials, organization staff and volunteers.
“COVID-19 and the need for physical distancing has had a significant impact on everyone, including those in the sport sector,” Beare said, later adding. “Sport plays a powerful role in helping people lead healthy, productive lives and contributes to the health and wellness of our communities. These measures are what we can do right away within the existing sport sector budget to help organizations during the pandemic. This is a first step.”
The province is planning to announce additional measures in the coming weeks, the release notes.
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