Eleven Bow Valley sports and recreation clubs will see additional funding coming.
The Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation through its True Sport Youth Fund will see between $1,000 and $5,000 go towards the 11 different regional groups.
“The partners of the True Sport Youth Fund are working together to improve accessibility, inclusivity and affordability of sport and recreation for community youth,” said Cathy Geisler, the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation executive director in a media release.
“We endorse the True Sport vision that positive sport and recreation contribute to a stronger community, and we support the True Sport principles.”
The fund was established in 2016 as a partnership between the Wim and Pauw Foundation, True Sports Foundation and Bow Valley True Sports and Recreation Council to help oversee the delivery of funding to organizations.
Among the organizations receiving funding are the Banff Canmore Speed Skating Club, the Banff Skating Club, the Bow Valley Kayak Club, the Bow Valley Riptides Swim Club and the Bow Valley Squash Foundation. The Canmore Illusions Gymnastics Club, the Canmore Indoor Climbing Society, the Canmore Nordic Ski Club, the Canmore Skating Club, the Rundle Mountain Cycling Club and the Canmore Soccer and Football Club are also receiving funds.
“Each of these Bow Valley clubs are providing positive and rewarding sports experiences that instill character in participants, strengthen community and increase opportunities for excellence,” said Karri Dawson, the True Sport Foundation executive director said in a media release.
Applications for the funding are accepted from not-for-profit sports and recreation groups each year. The funding is decided on the number and type of requests and the grant has to address immediate needs of clubs such as buying equipment, financial support and educational assistance for coaches, according to the media release.
The Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation has a budget of $1.4 million for 2022 to be dispersed in active lifestyles, education and community building. The foundation was created in 2013 and is a private organization based in Banff with funding from Banff Caribou Properties Ltd. and the Banff Lodging Company.
The True Sport Foundation is a national organization to help sports ensure a positive contribution to individuals and communities. The Bow Valley True Sport and Recreation Council was formed in 2015 with the mission to promote sport and recreation in the Bow Valley.
“These clubs have an incredibly positive impact on so many people in our community,” Geisler said in the media release. “Staying active is key to happiness, mental wellness and simply having fun. We are thrilled that financial support from the foundation means that more people have access to getting outside and having fun.”
