Support to host sport events will benefit B.C. athletes, tourism
Nearly 140 sports organizations across the province are benefiting from $1 million in provincial support to host sports-related events that attract visitors to BC and allow athletes to compete at home.
“Sporting events of all sizes motivate athletes to grow and inspire others to do sport,” said Secretary of State for Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Lana Popham. “The World Wheelchair Curling Championships, which I attended today, is a great example of how sports organizations continue to offer athletes more opportunities to show their skills here in BC. These events also help create vibrant, active and connected communities and reinforce our reputation as a premier sporting destination.”
The Province supports several events of local, provincial, national and international importance through two separate grant programs: the Major Events Program and Hosting BC.
The province invests US$500,000 annually in the major events program for large-scale international and national competitions that attract thousands of visitors to the province. This year, eight major events across the province were funded through this program, including the Bobsleigh, Skeleton and Luge World Cups, held in Whistler in January, and the World Wheelchair Curling Championships, held in Richmond in March.
These events help promote British Columbia worldwide as a premier sports tourism destination, reinforce the province’s distinguished reputation as a destination of choice for high-profile events, and provide important economic benefits to the host communities.
“Sport builds communities at all levels, and provincial initiatives like the Major Events and Hosting BC programs allow Curl BC to bring the camaraderie of both standard and adaptive curling to cities and communities across British Columbia each year,” said Scott Braley, Chief Executive Officer, Locke BC. “When sporting events are inclusive and accessible, everyone wins.”
The province also invests $500,000 annually through the Hosting BC program, which supports nonprofit organizations that host competitions and provide opportunities for athletic, economic and community development. Hosting BC is managed by viaSport and is available to organizations looking to host smaller events and also supports opportunities to compete for underrepresented groups and underserved communities.
This year, 131 organizations received financial support through this program, including the Provincial Squash Championships in Kelowna, the Track and Field Championship Jamboree in Nanaimo, and the Horse Trials Championships in Chilliwack. As a result, there were more opportunities for athletes to compete and celebrate their achievements locally.
“At viaSport British Columbia, we are working with the provincial sports sector to create more equitable, welcoming and inclusive ways to participate in sports in BC,” said Charlene Krepiakevich, CEO of viaSport British Columbia. “Hosting BC grants are designed to strengthen the sport in local communities. It ensures athletes have the opportunity to compete close to where they live, develops local volunteer capacity and delivers economic benefit to the host community. Most importantly right now, Hosting BC grants are helping event organizers still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic host safe and successful events that restore community trust and connectedness.”
The next Hosting BC recording is expected to open in May 2023. Interested parties are encouraged to visit the viaSport website to apply.
Learn more:
For a full list of Major Events Program recipients and Hosting BC, please visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/SportEventsHosting_2022_23_FundingSummary.pdf
Information on the program for major events, including criteria and application process, can be found at:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/events-hosting/event-funding/major-sport-event-hosting
For information about the Hosting BC program, including criteria and how to apply, visit:
https://www.viasport.ca/grant/hosting-bc