Fundy Area Physical Activity Grants Make a Difference

HEALTH PROMOTION--Fundy Area Physical Activity Grants Make a Difference

People in the Fundy area have more opportunities to be active through new projects supported by the Office of Health Promotion's physical activity grants.

Health Promotion provided grants totalling $500,000 to more than 100 groups throughout the province to help Nova Scotians get active through walking, swimming, dancing, boxing and many other physical activities.

"These programs provide a wide range of opportunities for Nova Scotia children, families and seniors, who might not otherwise be active," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "Nova Scotians are not as active as they should be, but that is changing thanks to groups across the province that are receiving these grants and developing programs."

The Physical Activity Grant Program supports initiatives that create or increase participation in organized and unstructured forms of sport, physical recreation and active transportation. Programs focus on those who are currently inactive, with priority placed on young people.

The Colchester-East Hants Health Authority is offering the Mental Health Wellness Promotion Program. Through this program participants will be able to enjoy activities such as yoga, swimming and horseback riding free of charge in a safe, supervised environment.

"This program gives participants the opportunity to improve their overall mental and physical health through increased physical activity, in an environment where they feel comfortable," said Mr. MacDonald.

For more information on the grant program, contact Health Promotion's representative in the Fundy region, Linda Atkinson, by e-mail at atkinslm@gov.ns.ca or call 902-893-6215. Additional information can also be found on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/ohp/srd/pagrants .

Note: A list of programs that have received funding in the Fundy area and provincewide follows.

• Community Boxing Club, Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association, $10,000
• Mental Health Wellness Promotion, Colchester East Hants Health Authority, $9,956
• Enriched Pre-School Recreation Gymnastics Program, Cobequid Spartans Gymnastics Centre, $7,900
• Ladies Recreational Soccer, Municipality of Colchester, $3,420
• Let's Get Moving, Sunset Residential and Rehabilitation Services Inc., $10,000
• Skating Club Enhancement, Oxford Area Skating Club, $750

Programs that have received funding provincewide:

• Helmet Program, Recreation Facility Association of Nova Scotia, $10,000
• Learn to Play Program, Softball Nova Scotia, $10,000
• Lifesaving Sport Clinics, Lifesaving Society Nova Scotia, $9,630
• Minor Tennis League, Nova Scotia Tennis Association, $10,000
• 12 & Under Community Volleyball Leagues, Volleyball Nova Scotia, $10,000
• Aboriginal Canoe/Kayak Programming Initiative, Canadian Canoe/Kayak Association, Atlantic Division, $10,000
• Active Family and Young Teen Program, East St. Margaret's School and Community Association, $4,927
• Caper Athletes Promoting Education, Recreation, and Sportsmanship (CAPERS), Harbourside Elementary School, $9,740
• Experience Skiing, Alpine Ski Nova Scotia, $4,000
• Registration Day, Special Olympics Nova Scotia, $10,000
• Run, Jump, Throw After School Track and Field, Athletics Nova Scotia, $3,142
• Summer Youth Track Camp, Ceilidh Track Club, $4,200
• Youth Running for Fun, Doctors Nova Scotia, $6,528