The Government of Canada, through Sport Canada, supports the Aboriginal Sport Circle and the health and well‑being of Indigenous communities
GATINEAU, QC, July 6, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, today announced that the Government of Canada is supporting the Aboriginal Sport Circle in its goal to promote and foster physically active and vibrant Indigenous communities across the country.
Sport Canada will provide $800,000 to the Aboriginal Sport Circle for the 2017–18 fiscal year through the Sport Support Program. This funding will ensure accessible and inclusive recreational sport systems are in place to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous communities through sport participation.
Since the release of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), Sport Canada has been working in collaboration with the Aboriginal Sport Circle to more fully respond to the TRC Calls to Action. This investment is part of the government's commitment to Indigenous youth across Canada to use the power of sport as means to create opportunity and build confidence. The Government of Canada is determined to make a real difference in the lives of Indigenous people by supporting self-determination through reconciliation.
Quotes
"I am thrilled to announce this support for the Aboriginal Sport Circle, which will help bring viable sport participation programs to Indigenous communities. The power of sport lets children become athletes, and athletes become leaders. The contribution and collaboration with the Aboriginal Sport Circle announced today will promote the health and well-being of Indigenous communities, and ensure that children are provided with another opportunity to become leaders."
—The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
"The Aboriginal Sport Circle is very pleased with the financial contribution the Government of Canada has provided the organization for the 2017–18 fiscal year and is looking forward to the long-term relationship with Sport Canada. The Board of Directors of the Circle is very confident that the organization will now be able to fulfill its obligations to its membership and to the Indigenous Peoples, and will seek to establish new partnerships with the sports and physical activity communities in Canada in the years to come."
—Alwyn Morris, President of the Aboriginal Sport Circle
Quick Facts
The Aboriginal Sport Circle was established in 1995 to provide a unified voice for Indigenous sport across Canada to bring together the interests of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.
The Aboriginal Sport Circle's board of directors consists of eight members from Canada's provinces and territories.
The Aboriginal Sport Circle has four flagship programs: Athlete Development, Coaching Development, Competition/Games Opportunities and Recognition of Excellence.
The Government of Canada's Budget 2017 commits to providing $18.9 million over five years, and ongoing funding of $5.5 million every four years thereafter, to support Indigenous youth through sport.
Associated Links
Aboriginal Sport Circle http://www.aboriginalsportcircle.ca/
Sport Canada http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1413910841375
Sport Support Program http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1414078950287
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
(media only), please contact: Ashley Michnowski, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, 613-697-8016, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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