OSHAWA — The Ontario government announced it is investing $30 million to stabilize Ontario’s sport and recreation sector, to help offset increased costs as a result of COVID-19 and support the sector’s future recovery in communities across the province.
“Ontario’s sport and recreation sector was among the first and hardest hit by the pandemic,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “Our government recognizes how important sport and recreation is to our physical and mental well-being, and to the economic well-being of Ontario communities. As we emerge from the pandemic, this investment will help ensure families and athletes are able to return to the sports and activities they love.”
This funding includes:
- $20 million to ministry-recognized Provincial Sport Organizations and Multi-Sport Organizations to distribute to their local member clubs such as soccer, karate and volleyball
- $7 million to the Ontario Sport Network to distribute to local community-based sport and recreation organizations such as dance and cheer-leading, through an application process
- $3 million to help the Ontario Hockey League and its 17 teams meet their academic scholarship commitments for current and former players.
Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy stated that, “This funding will help community-based sports organizations get back on their feet, so they can continue to support the social, physical, emotional and economic well-being of communities across the province. Ontario is getting stronger, and today’s investment is part of our plan to support our recovery, prosperity and growth.”
The government’s announcement was greeted favourably by several other organizations. "This is great news for our alumni and current players who play and study in the Ontario Hockey League. We are grateful to the Premier and Minister MacLeod for their support of the League throughout the pandemic. The OHL scholarship and academic programs are a key part of our player experience, and this funding helps to ensure this program continues to thrive," David Branch Commissioner, Ontario Hockey League.
Patsy Coyle Managing Director, Ontario Sport Network, expressed her views saying that, “We are excited to be working with Minister MacLeod and the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries in providing an emergency relief fund targeting community level sport and recreation organizations, and associations to deal with financial hardships due to COVID-19. We recognize the critical importance of providing support to enhance the sustainability of our provincial sport sector."
Supporting Ontario’s local sport and recreation clubs and organizations is needed to support their long-term sustainability and ensure they are well positioned to provide services and opportunities for youth and adults across Ontario as they return to physical activity and competition.
