Friday, July 12, 2013
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
Ontario Supporting Active and Strong Communities
Ontario is helping people of all ages in communities across the province get active, stay fit and live healthier lives.
Through the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund, the province is supporting over 130 provincial, regional and local projects that will:
- Increase opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in sport and recreation activities including group walks for seniors, aquatic fitness, skiing, curling, soccer, and sport programs for people with accessibility issues
- Educate people about the importance of lifelong physical activity as the foundation for a healthy lifestyle
- Strengthen the quality of programs and services offered by community sport and recreation organizations by providing training in areas such as coaching, and youth and volunteer development
Supporting community programs that assist people in staying active is part of the Ontario government's efforts to create a fair and prosperous society and help people in their everyday lives.
Quick Facts:
- The Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund program launched in January 2013.
- A number of projects will build excitement about the upcoming 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games by increasing participation in sports that will be featured at the Games.
- In May 2013, the Healthy Kids Panel presented a number of recommendations to help improve the health of children in Ontario. The government is committed to taking action on many of these recommendations, including building healthy communities that encourage active living.
Learn More:
Quotes:
"Lifelong physical activity through participation in sport and recreation enhances quality of life and community engagement and contributes to a healthy, prosperous Ontario. This support will go a long way to help sports and recreation organizations enhance opportunities for all the people of Ontario to get out, get active and get involved."
— Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport and Minister Responsible for the Pan/Parapan American Games
"Every seven minutes in Canada someone dies of heart disease or stroke. But the real tragedy is that we can prevent up to 80% of premature heart disease and stroke through healthy public policies and lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity. All Ontarians deserve the chance to live healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke where they live, learn and play. We commend the Ontario government for taking action to help people in Ontario communities get active, stay fit and live healthier lives through the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund."
— Mark Holland, Director, Health Partnerships and Public Affairs, Ontario, Heart and Stroke Foundation
Media Contacts:
Jasmine Gill
Minister’s Office
416-325-1759
Mark Smith
Communications Branch
416 325-8391
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