Released on December 19, 2013
For the second consecutive year, hundreds of local Saskatchewan rinks have taken advantage of the Community Rink Affordability Grant.
The Government of Saskatchewan invested nearly $1.6 million in 520 facilities in 362 communities through the grant.
“Local rinks provide significant sport and recreational opportunities to people living in both small towns and city neighbourhoods,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty said. “That’s why we promised to support rinks in the 2011 election, and that’s why we’re happy to invest in them through the Community Rink Affordability Grant for the second year in a row. Rinks enhance the vibrant quality of life we enjoy here in our growing province.”
The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association administered and delivered the grant.
“The amount of positive feedback the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association has received since first delivering this grant in 2012 is overwhelming,” Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association President Mike Powell said. “We’ve heard from people directly involved with local rinks that the funds are helping. They’re allowing rink owners to hire caretakers, keep the rinks open longer, and repair and upgrade facilities.”
“Our community is pleased that the Government of Saskatchewan decided to invest in rinks for a second year,” City of Martensville Director of Recreation and Community Services Dave Bosch said. “Every little bit helps when it comes to keeping our indoor skating and curling surfaces up and running. Many of our residents - everyone from schoolchildren to aspiring professional athletes to retirees - visit these places frequently in the wintertime.”
Doherty announced in September that the Community Rink Affordability Grant, which first launched in 2012, would run a second year.
The $2,500 per indoor ice surface grant helps communities, non-profits, schools, rink boards and First Nations communities keep their rinks open and running efficiently.
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For more information, contact:
Chelsea Coupal
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781
Email: chelsea.coupal@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-8152
Lori Ross
Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association
Regina
Phone: 306-780-9370
Email: lross@spra.sk.ca