The latest round of Community Gaming Grants distributed by the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development saw three local organizations cashing in.
100 Mile House & District Soccer Association received $26,160; the 100 Mile & District Minor Hockey Association got $45,000; and the 100 Mile Figure Skating Club was the recipient of $13,475.
It is part of the $9 million that will be distributed across British Columbia to applicants offering programs in arts and culture, human and social resources, environment and sport.
Soccer association president Jennifer Appleby says its share was a pretty standard amount and the association is happy with it.
“It’s great. It helps us to get the program going and keeps costs low.”
She says their insurance costs alone for the year are between $11,000 and $14,000.
The hockey association received the amount it applied for and is quite happy with it, says association president Darrell Blades.
“It helps to keep our rates down. We’d have to raise them by $150 per kid otherwise. It seems that as rates creep up, we lose a few players.”
The grant money will help to cover coaching clinics, player development, equipment and jersey updates and administration costs.
Skating club president Jennifer Plewes also says the grant money was as expected. It will cover approximately half of the ice rental costs for the season.
Says Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett: “Local sporting groups are important for many youth. Kids stay active, they learn lifelong skills, and it brings the community together. 100 Mile did well this round.”
