MARATHON — The Marathon Family Health Team has successful recipients of their micro grant program, which supports local clubs and organizations to develop programs that encourage and promote physical activity.
Michele LaJeunesse, the chief operating officer and health promotos coordinator, said the grants are part of the health team's commitment to use the overall $20,000 prize awarded by ParticipACTION.
“Based on public feedback, $8,500 was spent on the development of the Step Outside Program, which included mapping and signage for local trails (mfht.org/stepoutside),” LaJeunesse said.
This left the health team with $11,500 to allocate through their micro grant program.
They announced that, to date, $7,000 has been awarded to six local groups who will be developing or enhancing programs that promote and facilitate increased access to sport and physical activity for individuals of all ages.
A list of the successful applicants and their project description was included in Marathon Family Health Team’s news release. Their list announced the amount awarded, to each recipient, as well as the project description. The following organizations and groups were the recipients of their Micro Grant Program funding.
Marathon Kids Zumba
The program will provide kids with a fun and unique opportunity to be more physically active through music and dance. The $500 grant is expected to lower the cost of registration, increase program capacity and improve resources for performances.
Marathon Senior Citizens Club
The Marathon Senior Citizens Club is aiming to increase interest in Pickleball for seniors - a fun and social physical activity that can be played indoors or outdoors with a $500 grant. The funding will assist with the purchase of graphite paddles and indoor balls to encourage new and existing club members to try the sport.
Marathon Cross-Country and Snowshoe Club (MCCSSC)
The MCCSSC is a volunteer-run organization that encourages local residents of all ages to stay active throughout the winter by providing access to cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. The $1,500 grant will assist with the recruitment and retention of volunteers, particularly high school chalet attendants, by covering chalet attendant honoraria. This will allow the club to remain open on evenings and to maintain current opportunities for residents to purchase day passes and rent equipment.
Peninsula Junior Golf Club
The program, which is getting $1,500, aims to introduce youth 12 to 18 years of age to the sport of golf so that they will continue to play as they age. The grant will assist the club with registering the players with Golf Canada, purchasing prizes for weekly twilights, and providing a nutritious lunch at the Junior Open tournament.
Marathon Junior NBA
The organization received $1,500 for the program. which has a goal of creating a financially accessible opportunity for children to participate, experiment, learn and grow through play. The grant is expected to assist with coach training, securing gym space, purchasing additional equipment and keeping the cost of player registration low.
Marathon Minor Hockey Association
$1500.00 Marathon Minor Hockey Association relies solely on community support to keep operational and registration costs at a minimum for children and their families. The grant will be utilized to purchase new training equipment for the players in the Under 7 division. This is expected to keep players engaged and interested as they are introduced to the sport of hockey.
The Chief Operating Officer and Health Promotions Coordinator, concluded their announcement by offering her congratulations to all successful applicants and recognized the dedication and efforts that these groups and organizations give their communities in order to promote healthy living.
“Congratulations to all successful applicants! We are grateful for your dedication to our communities and for your commitment to physical activity and health.” LaJeunesse said. “Your projects will present important opportunities for skill-building, physical literacy, socialization and affordable access to physical activity, all of which are vital components of enjoying physical activity and sport through the lifespan,” she said.
With a second call for applications having been put forth this fall, the Marathon Family Health Team looks forward to supporting more eligible clubs and organizations.
