The 2014 Alberta Winter Games will pass on a legacy fund of $127,000 this year to Banff and Canmore to support amateur sport in the area, with more to come in 2015.
Games chair Bob Ellard said the money will be distributed through the Banff Community Foundation and the Canmore Rotary Club, who in turn will hand out grants to various community groups.
“We planned for a legacy and now we’re able to realize what our planning has resulted in. It’s thanks to our great board and volunteers,” Ellard said.
Groups seeking funds must spend the money within two years of receiving it, and it must be spent on assisting youth in Banff and Canmore. No less than 75 per cent of the funds can be spent on amateur sport.
Money raised by the Games came from a variety of sources, including the Government of Alberta, the two host municipalities, 180 corporate sponsors and several grants.
“The legacy comes in a number of different forms. We had $100,000 in upgrades, $127,000 this year and more next year when we finally wrap up the games,” Ellard said. “But the biggest legacy was the successful games put on by both communities.”
The Alberta Winter Games told each community to expect legacy cash as well as other upgrades. Thus far, improvements have included $20,000 in cash from Bull Frog Energy used to install wind turbines and solar panels at Banff Community High School; $48,000 in increased recycling through the Bow Valley from Alberta Beverage Recycling; $3,000 in timing equipment for cross-country skiing and biathlon; $18,000 in racing equipment for Mount Norquay; $1,800 for timing shot clocks for ringette and $10,000 in shower upgrades at Banff Elementary School and Elizabeth Rummel School.
The Games were held over four days from Feb. 6-9 and attracted 2,400 athletes, coaches and manager from across Alberta.
