HALIFAX: The Rankin government is investing $5 million to help make the province’s sport system more inclusive and accessible. This is the biggest investment in community and amateur sport in recent history.
“More Nova Scotians, especially children and youth, should have the opportunity to lead healthy, active lives through sport and recreation,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “We want to lift economic and social barriers to sport, recreation and coaching so more people can get active, have fun, make friends, get healthy and build the confidence to pursue their dreams, whatever they may be.”
The investment will focus on removing barriers for those who want to participate in community and competitive sport but haven’t been able to because of ability, limited equipment, funding or programming.
The funding will also support a more diverse and representative sport leadership model, promoting coaching opportunities and creating new programming for women, Mi’kmaq, African Nova Scotians and people of African descent, people of colour, and those who coach people with physical and intellectual disabilities.
“We know sport brings all kinds of physical, social and emotional health benefits,” said Suzanne Lohnes-Croft, Minster of Communities, Culture and Heritage.
“This investment is about sharing those benefits more broadly – providing opportunities for more Nova Scotians to participate in sport, no matter their ability, identity, gender or circumstance.”
The investment will focus on these areas:
— $2 million in additional funding for KidSport to allow more kids and families to access sport
— $2 million to increase access to recreation facilities and improve the availability of accessible equipment across the province
— $500,000 for Sport Nova Scotia’s ParaSport program
— $500,000 to improve equity in coaching
Quotes:
“This is a game-changing investment for sport. We know how important the physical, mental and social development benefits of sport are, especially for our children. This funding will allow us to broaden our reach for programs such as KidSport and eliminate barriers to participation so we can reach further into communities across the province and make sport more accessible for all Nova Scotians.”
– Jamie Ferguson, CEO, Sport Nova Scotia
“I’m excited to see more Nova Scotians with disabilities getting involved and enjoying parasports. When I started sailing, there weren’t nearly as many opportunities for adaptive athletes as there are today. It’s great to see the province prioritize parasport and this funding will allow more people to participate and experience all of the benefits that sport provides.”
– Paul Tingley, five-time Paralympian and ParaSport NS coordinator
Quick Facts:
— almost 150,000 Nova Scotian’s are currently members of an organized sport delivery program
— there are 1,100 community sport organizations across Nova Scotia
— almost 1,200 coaches and 4,600 officials support sport delivery throughout Nova Scotia
Additional Resources:
Communities, Culture and Heritage: https://cch.novascotia.ca/
Let’s Get Moving Physical Activity Strategy: https://novascotia.ca/letsgetmoving/
Sport Nova Scotia: https://www.sportnovascotia.ca/
