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140 sport organizations are receiving a combined $1 million in support.

Photo by Jaana Björk

NDP MLAs say grants will support sports and tourism in Richmond

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 10:50 PDT, Tue March 14, 2023

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New Democrat MLAs Kelly Greene, Aman Singh, and Henry Yao say funding for sporting events in B.C. communities will boost local tourism and enrich sports communities for B.C. athletes, so sports fans, athletes, and businesses can enjoy games close to home, and travel to games across the province.

"I am pleased to see our government invest in Richmond's thriving sports scene," said Kelly Greene, MLA for Richmond-Steveston. "Sports brings our communities together and celebrates the achievements of our athletes. I look forward to cheering people on!"

In Richmond, the following events are receiving funding:

$3500 for the Curling BC U18 Championships last December
$5000 for the Badminton Provincial A&B Champions and Circuit Series A and B last August
$4500 for the Badminton Western Senior Elite Championship in January
$3000 for the Western Canada Age Class Wrestling Championships in January
$2500 for the Rhythmic Gymnastics 2023 Elite Canada Championships in February
$1500 for the 2023 Vancouver invitational Wheelchair Rugby Tournament this March
$2250 for the Artistic Swimming Mable Moran Provincial Qualifier and Championship this April
$3000 for the Karate BC Provincial Championships this April
$10000 for the World Karate Federation Series A competition this April
$4000 for the Badminton Provincial B Championship this May
$1950 for the Badminton Open BCD Championship this June
$5000 for the Pacific Distance Carnival and Canadian 10,000 Championships this June
$4000 for the U19 Women's Western Canadian Softball Championships this August
$7500 for the 2023 Canadian Boccia Championships in October
$3000 for the 15th Annual International Wheelchair Curling Bonspiel – 2023 Canadian Open in November
$4500 for the Curling U21 Championships in February 2024

"From wheelchair curling to karate tournaments, sports create an important, inclusive space for our community," said Aman Singh, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough. "I am pleased to see our government invest in sporting events that bring people together."

Financial support for these events is coming through two funding programs – the Major Events Program and Hosting BC. The province invests $500,000 annually in each program, for a combined $1 million for these events and opportunities.

Through the Major Events Program, non-for-profits are supported to host competitions and community development opportunities. Hosting BC is administered by viaSport, and supports organizations to put on smaller-scale events and opportunities for under-served and under-represented groups and regions.

"People in Richmond love getting active and taking part in sports like badminton and curling," said Henry Yao, MLA for Richmond South-Centre. "Our government's investments will support major sporting events that promote athletic achievement and personal well-being, increasing accessibility for all."

Over 140 organizations in total are receiving support through these programs.

Learn More: news.gov.bc.ca/28352