For immediate release

On your mark, get set, build
Sport Nova Scotia applauds the Federal Government’s sport infrastructure investment

Halifax, NS (January 28, 2009) - Sport Nova Scotia was watching the federal budget closely to see what action the Government would take to help build and rejuvenate the declining sport infrastructure around the country and especially in Nova Scotia. The new funding for sport infrastructure announced in the Budget was the right announcement to be making at this time when the economy needs to be stimulated and Canadians should be more physically active.

Sport Nova Scotia has advocated for years the critical need to have governments, at all levels, address the sport infrastructure crisis if elected officials want to improve the lives of Canadians. “Communities around Nova Scotia and across Canada need better sport and recreation infrastructure if we want Canadians to obtain the many benefits of participating in sport. We have seen positive steps taken by our provincial government to address the infrastructure deficit; however, we need the federal government to get involved to truly begin to solve the problem,” says Jamie Ferguson, CEO, Sport Nova Scotia.

Yesterday’s announcement of Recreational Infrastructure Canada, or RInC, will provide $500 million over the next two years to build and renovate non-profit sport and recreational facilities. The fund will provide up to 50 per cent of the total cost of eligible projects, with provincial and municipal governments, community organizations, or the private sector covering the other 50 per cent.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for the sport community in Nova Scotia. With this support we can make significant upgrades and additions to sport and recreation infrastructure of all types—from fields and gymnasiums to indoor facilities and stadiums,” says Ferguson. “The next step needs to include quick decisions on the criteria for accessing the funding, so that we make good decisions and invest as efficiently as we can.”

Ferguson also emphasizes there is another opportunity that is being offered with the 2009 Budget. “The Federal Government has said that the RInC funding will help leverage community fundraising efforts. This means that local sport organizations looking to upgrade a facility in their community could raise their portion of the required funds and then have an opportunity to access the federal funding. This is new and is very exciting for local sport organizations everywhere. We look forward to working with all levels of government and community organizations across Nova Scotia to rejuvenate our sport infrastructure,” adds Ferguson.

Sport Nova Scotia is a voice for amateur sport that promotes the benefits of health, personal development and achievement of all participants. Sport Nova Scotia is a non-profit, non-government organization representing 57 provincial sport organizations and more than 160,000 member Nova Scotians.

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For more information please contact:

Catherine McKellar
Director, Communications and Public Relations
Sport Nova Scotia
902-425-5450 ext.321
cmckellar@sportnovascotia.ca