The release of sports grants from the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities fund based out of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS) was announced by MPP Dave Levac last Tuesday in the Grand River Community Health Centre in Brantford.
“Each of these grants is about creating cultural change; change that emphasizes healthier approaches to living and builds stronger relationships between communities and organizations to maximize utilization of existing programmes,” said Levac.
The grants will be distributed between local recipient initiatives and programs in the County of Brant, Grand River Community Health Center and the Six Nations of the Grand River. Each recipient is considered an organization that is focused on increasing the capacity of the sports in each sector, increasing participation and building physical literacy.
Out of the $250,000, the Grand River Community Health Center will receive over $72,000 and the Six Nations of the Grand River “Active for Life” initiative will receive over $27,000. Each of the organizations including those within the Brant County, will be using the money to help build better marketing of activities and break down barriers to physical activity for the public.
“These projects will be providing local people with opportunities to engage in community sport, recreation and physical activity, which are critical aspects to improving quality of life. Research demonstrates that sustained physical activity contributes to long lasting benefits such as a physical, mental, emotional and social well-being, thereby strengthening personal development, as well as creating stronger communities,” wrote a release from the Constituency Office of MPP Dave Levac.
Six Nations Councilor Bob Johnson represented Six Nations at the announcement and showed his gratitude for the grant. The grant money will be focused on the “Active for Life” initiative, which will be focused on programming within the new Youth and Elder Center.