The B.C. government is giving two Burnaby-based sporting groups a financial boost with money from provincial gaming grants.
The grant money comes from gambling profits, and every year, various groups apply to the provincial government for funding.
The B.C. Amateur Athletics Association, which just relocated to Burnaby from Richmond, received $160,000 in funding.
Brian McCalder, president and CEO of the association, was "definitely pleased" to receive the money.
"It enables us to deliver a lot more programs throughout the province and provide support for athletes to get to national championships," he told the NOW.
The association is the provincial sport governing body for track and field, marathons and various types of running events. The association sanctions the events, so performances are recognized, and provides insurance.
According to McCalder, the grant represents about one fourteenth of the association's overall budget, and the group will use it for coaching education, development and training for officials, development for athletes and provincial team programs.
Skate Canada B.C./Yukon, an umbrella organization for amateur figure skating, also received funding - $56,000 in total - from the community gaming grants.
Burnaby North MLA Richard Lee lauded the funding in a government press release.
"Over $200,000 in funding towards these two great community sports organizations will help the British Columbia Amateur Athletics Association and Skate Canada B.C./Yukon section continue to promote healthy active living and provide opportunities for many amateur athletes and their families," he said.
