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McGuinty Govt. Invests $5 Million to Help Ontarians Get Active
Local Not-For-Profit Organizations Encouraged To Apply For Communities In Action Fund Grants
TORONTO, March 30 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government is committed to
increasing rates of physical activity across Ontario with an investment of
$5 million for the Communities In Action Fund (CIAF), Health Promotion
Minister Jim Watson announced today.
"This funding is just one of the many ways that our government is
enhancing health and fitness at the local level," said Watson. "CIAF grants
help not-for-profit organizations create and deliver programs that keep
Ontarians active and fit."
Over the last two years, more than $10.8 million in CIAF grants have been
awarded to over 300 organizations at the provincial and local levels. In its
first year - 2004-05 - the fund supported programs that reached more than
330,000 people of all ages and backgrounds. Programs funded by these grants
include everything from mentoring programs, skiing, sailing, rowing,
basketball, ball hockey and tai chi.
"This generous grant will increase sport participation for under-
represented children and youth, both in the Toronto area and throughout our
local community chapters across Ontario," said Jim Bradley, CEO, Sport
Alliance of Ontario.
CIAF supports Ontario's strategy to increase physical activity and sport
participation. The fund invests in community sport and physical activity and
helps remove barriers to participation for children and youth, low-income
families, aboriginal people, older adults, women and girls, visible/ethnic
minorities and people with disabilities.
Watson announced the program guidelines for 2006-07 at an event hosted by
Kidsport™ Ontario. The event showcased one of last year's CIAF grants at
work, providing an interactive sport experience for 500 kids in the
Cabbagetown community. Watson encouraged local not-for-profit organizations
throughout the province to apply for this year's funding. Visit
www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/sportandrec/fund.asp for details.
The Ministry of Health Promotion was established in June 2005 to improve
and deliver programs that contribute to healthy living and wellness in this
province. Key priority areas include Ontario's smoke-free strategy, healthy
eating, active living, injury prevention and mental health.
www.mhp.gov.on.ca
www.active2010.ca
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