Valley Area Physical Activity Grants Make a Difference

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

People in the Annapolis Valley 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.

Active Living, taking place at Bridgetown Elementary School, gives students and teachers an opportunity to learn a new sport, or increase their skill in a sport. More than 240 children aged five to 12, and 11 teachers, will participate.

"This program is unique, because it allows the children and teachers to learn and enjoy physical activity together. Our hope is that the kids will learn a new sport that they continue to play and enjoy after the program is finished," said Mr. MacDonald.

For more information on the grant program, contact Health Promotion's representative in the Valley, Mike Trinacty, by e- mail at trinacme@gov.ns.ca, or call 902-679-4390. 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 Valley and provincewide follows.

• Active Living, Bridgetown Regional Elementary School, $8,000
• Learn to Skate Ski, Martock Cross-Country Ski Club, $5,000
• Breast Quest Society Dragon Boat Team, Breast Quest Society, Hantsport, $5,000
• Club de conditionnement physique, Clare, $10,000
• Year-Round Fitness Trail Program, Newport Station District School, $5,000
• Kids Klub After School Program, Canning & District Recreation, $10,000
• Valley Sport and Multipurpose Facilities Association, Valley District Soccer Association, $3,500
• Annapolis County Club 400, The Order of Active Living, Municipality of Annapolis, $10,000
• Community-Based Outdoor Recreation, Gaspereau and District Recreation Commission, $7,500
• On the Move Senior's Exercise, Victorian Order of Nurses, Annapolis Valley, $5,000

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