People engaged in sport and physical activity in the Columbia Basin can look forward to improved support through the newly formed PacificSport Columbia Basin Society. Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) and ViaSport are providing $800,000 and $300,000 respectively toward this initiative over the next three years.
The society’s primary goals are to promote sport and physical activity in the Basin; provide services and programs for local athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers; and promote health by encouraging and helping the public to participate in physical activities.
Still in its formative stages, the society will work with Basin communities and organizations, as well as access the broader provincial alliance of sports organizations that serves as a resource hub to educate, inspire and enable residents to participate, play and perform, no matter their activity or level of expertise.
“This will benefit people of all ages, from those wishing to have fun and stay fit, to those striving to excel in their sport,” said Janis Neufeld, new Board member and President, Kootenay Sufferfest Society. “We’ll make better use of the facilities we already have while improving our ability to attract and retain coaches and support our volunteers. By having communities work together, it will help eliminate some of the barriers and boundaries that this region encounters.”
CBT supports efforts to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, visit cbt.org or call 1-800-505-8998.