Two Merritt sports groups receive provincial funding

Fifty community sport organizations in the Interior region will receive financial support from the Province’s $1.5-million Local Sport Relief Fund.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put financial pressure on many local sports clubs throughout British Columbia that have had limited ability to offer programming and fundraise to cover expenses. Without financial support, these clubs are at risk of closure, leaving communities without local access to sport. A total of 288 organizations will be supported by the Local Sport Relief Fund.

Locally, the Nicola Valley Rodeo Association and the Merritt Curling Club will be receiving funding. The exact dollar figure headed to the organizations was not made available.

“Coaches, volunteers, and board members have worked around the clock to ensure people can keep active and gain the physical and mental benefits of sport during the pandemic,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport. “We heard their challenges to meet financial pressures with current health orders in place and are proud to provide this additional support so our communities can continue to offer sport in a safe way.”

The Local Sport Relief Fund covers administration and operational costs for local sports organizations dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible expenses include insurance, administrative costs, rent, storage costs, equipment essential to providing sports programs, and COVID-19 related supplies, such as cleaning products, signage, and personal protective equipment. Given the significant number of applications received for the initial Local Sport Relief Fund, the ministry is considering other opportunities to support the sports sector.

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