FOR RELEASE
June 12, 2012

WHITEHORSE—More than $970,000 will be awarded in Yukon Recreation Advisory Committee (YRAC) grants and more than $400,000 in funding for athlete and coaching enhancement initiatives under the Yukon Sport for Life and Elite Athlete (YS4L) programs, Community Services Minister Elaine Taylor announced today.

“I am pleased to announce our continued support for Yukon’s sport and recreation organizations, our athletes, coaches and officials, all of whom contribute tremendously to building healthy and vibrant communities throughout Yukon,” Taylor said. “This annual funding provides vital support to sport and recreation programs for Yukoners of all ages.”

Under YRAC, 36 sport organizations and recreation groups will share $876,067, and 29 athletes and five officials will share $100,000. Under the Yukon Sport for Life Program, 23 Yukon sport governing bodies will share $348,000 for enhanced athlete and coaching development programs. An additional $59,500 in Elite Athlete Program funding will be distributed among seven Yukon nationally-ranked elite athletes.

“Thanks to YRAC funding, Yukon provides a full continuum of sport opportunities to Yukoners with an intellectual disability,” Special Olympics executive director Serge Michaud said. “This funding will have a positive impact on the quality of life for many Special Olympic athletes.”

For a complete list of the grants awarded visit Sport and Recreation at: www.community.gov.yk.ca.

-30-

See backgrounder below.

Contact:

Yukon Recreation Advisory Committee (YRAC) grants

Funding for the annual YRAC grants is made possible by a revenue sharing agreement between Yukon Lottery Commission and Government of Yukon. The grants are adjudicated by the Yukon Recreation Advisory Committee and administered by Community Services. A Yukon Recreation Advisory Committee jury representing the sport community and the Yukon government also allocates funding for the High Performance Athletes and Officials Program.

Yukon Sport for Life Program & Elite Athlete Program

The Yukon Sport for Life program focuses on enhancing athlete and coaching development in the territory at high performance and elite levels. It also aims to encourage rural and Aboriginal participation in sport.

Yukon’s elite athletes include seven who are carded* members of Team Canada , including cyclist Zach Bell, wrestler Brittanee Laverdure, swimmer MacKenzie Downing, weightlifter Jeane Lassen, and cross country skiers Emily Nishikawa, Graham Nishikawa and David Greer.

*A carded athlete is a Canadian athlete identified by National Sport Organizations using criteria established by Sport Canada as performing at or having the greatest potential to achieve top 16 results at Olympic/Paralympic Games and World Championships. (See www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1267374509734)

2012 – 2013 Sport Organizations Funding by Funding Program

2012 – 2013 High Performance Program (YRAC)

Officials

Athletes

2012 – 2013 Elite Athletes Program (Y4SL)

Elite Athletes (Carded by Sport Canada)

* YRAC - Yukon Rec Yukon Recreation Advisory Committee
**YS4L - Yukon Sport for Life Program