August 6, 2010
Penticton Youth Sports Programs Get a Boost

PENTICTON –Penticton sport organizations are receiving more than $100,000 in Community Gaming Grants for programs that teach youth team building and engage them in healthy and active lifestyles. 

“Youth sports are a great opportunity for our children to not only live healthy and active lifestyles, but also to learn important life skills that can be of benefit now and in the future,” says Penticton MLA Bill Barisoff.  “We have watched our young leaders like Kristi Richards and Duncan Keith make a real difference in our community and these grants help the many volunteer organizations that make it all possible.”

Community Gaming Grants in Penticton include:

• South Okanagan Youth Soccer Association, $84,000
• Apex Freestyle Club, $9,500
• Penticton Minor Lacrosse Association, $8,700
• Penticton Minor Fastpitch Softball Association, $3,000
• South Okanagan Minor Baseball Association, $1,200

This round of funding will support 457 groups receiving approximately $9.2 million in community gaming grants to support youth and disabled persons sports initiatives across B.C. 

In total, the Province has budgeted $120 million for gaming grants in 2010-2011, $7.4 million higher than last year. The grants will fund approximately 6,000 organizations that benefit communities, including those that assist public safety, youth and disabled sports, people in need, fairs, festivals, museums and community services such as preschools.

Visit Bill’s website at www.billbarisoffmla.bc.ca

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