Provincial funding for 10 Surrey-area sporting events previews some that are on the 2023 calendar and notes others that have already happened.
On Sunday (March 12), the Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport ministry announced $1 million for nearly 140 sport organizations “to host sport-related events that attract visitors to B.C. and enable athletes to compete at home.”
Four-figure dollar amounts go to Surrey tournaments and meets under the Hosting BC program, for not-for-profit organizations that host competitions “and provide sport, economic and community development opportunities.”
In Surrey, these events receive funding:
• $4,000 for the Little League BC Major Provincials held last July
• $4,500 for a BC Artistic Swimming Western Canadian event held in January
• $2,500 for the SportAbility Provincial Championship held in March
• $7,500 for the Vancouver Goalball Club Surrey Goalball Grand Slam held in March
• $4,500 for the BC Rugby Senior Club Finals this April
• $3,000 for the BCPFA Provincial Flag Championships this June
• $1,000 for the Cricket Big Bach Cup this June and July
• $9,500 for the Canada Cup International Softball Championship this July
• $5,000 for the Canadian Ultimate Frisbee National Championships this August
• $3,000 for the BC Cross Country Championships this October.
CLICK HERE to read the full list of recipients, which include eight Major Events in B.C., in Vancouver, Whislter, Big White, Kamloops and Richmond.
The provincial government invests $500,000 annually in Major Events and Hosting BC programs, for a combined $1 million.
The NDP’s Mike Starchuk, MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale, says 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.
“Sports like softball, baseball and cricket shape our youth and bring our community together,” Starchuk said in a news release.
tom.zillich@surreynowleader.com
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