Health News For Central
Friday, July 25, 2014
Building Active and Healthy Communities
Province Supporting Sport and Recreation Opportunities for Families
July 25, 2014 9:45 a.m.
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
www.news.ontario.ca
Ontario is helping people lead active and healthy lives in communities across the province.
Through the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund, the province is supporting over 110 provincial, regional and local projects that will increase opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get active. This includes:
•Developing new sports and recreation programs and increasing access to existing initiatives, including JiggiJump at the Ontario Science Centre, the Basic Aquatic Sport Education Camp and the Toronto Inner-City Rugby Foundation Mini & Girls Rugby Project.
•Educating people about the importance of physical activity as a foundation of healthy living, through initiatives that include mentoring and physical literacy assessments. GTA projects include Healthy Foundations at the Scadding Court Community Centre and Fit 4 Life at the Riverdale Immigrant Women's Centre.
•Providing training in areas such as coaching, youth development, and volunteer development through projects like the Youth Apprentice Coaches Project at St. Christopher House.
Promoting participation in sport, recreation and active living in communities across the province is part of the Ontario government's plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.
Quick Facts
•The Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund program launched in January 2013.
•The fund supported more than 130 projects across the province in 2013-14, providing programs and services to over 350,000 participants.
•In 2014-15, Ontario is investing $7.2 million to support 116 projects across the province.
•A number of projects will build excitement about the upcoming 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games by increasing participation in sports that will be featured at the Games, water polo, baseball, cycling, badminton, rugby, tennis, boxing, athletics and soccer.
•Supporting community-based activities to promote healthier living is a key recommendation of the Healthy Kids Panel report.
Learn More: Find out other ways to stay active
Quotes
“Healthy and active communities contribute to a stronger and more prosperous Ontario. This fund supports the sport and recreation organizations in communities all across the province that work hard to provide opportunities for Ontario families to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.”
Michael Coteau
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport and Minister Responsible for the Pan/Parapan American Games
“We are proud and delighted that our new Fitness for Breath exercise maintenance program is among the initiatives being supported by the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund. Staying active is vital for lung health and Fitness for Breath will bring life-changing benefits to people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).”
George Habib
president and CEO, Ontario Lung Association
Media Contacts
Christina Cindric
Minister’s Office
christina.cindric@ontario.ca
416-327-4365
Christy Arnold
Communications Branch
christy.arnold@ontario.ca
416-326-1724
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