We have exciting news to share with you. Today, the Province announced their $1-million investment in physical activity. This investment will fund a new round of Active Communities Grants for Indigenous and local governments and increase after-school Active Play Club programs. It will also promote health through physical activity by continuing support for the Physical Activity for Health Collaborative. Regular physical activity supports physical and mental health, social connection and overall well-being. As demand grows for affordable and inclusive ways to stay active, this investment will strengthen local programs that bring people together and support healthier habits and stronger connections. Active Communities Grants help reduce barriers to physical activity for diverse B.C. residents across urban centres, small towns and remote communities. Funded projects range from trail building, free and inclusive swimming programs, expanding access to fitness equipment for Indigenous Elders, and sensory-friendly physical opportunities that help youth and families be active in ways that work for them. Active Play Club has partnered with 30 schools to provide after-school physical activity opportunities for children in a supportive environment, while helping reduce costs and transportation barriers. Children participate in unstructured or free play on school grounds after the school day ends. Whether kids choose to swing on the monkey bars, kick around a soccer ball, or play “The Floor is Lava,” they have space to be active in their own way. Program leaders provide light supervision and a caring environment that encourages physical activity, social connection, creativity and play. Rita Koutsodimos, Executive Director of BC Alliance for Healthy Living, said, “We are pleased to continue working with the Province to address barriers to physical activity, especially for our neighbours who face greater challenges to participation. Our shared belief is that everyone should have access to opportunities for health, well-being and social connection. We know that less-active and low-income communities have higher rates of chronic disease, and these initiatives help bridge those gaps.” |
| What’s next? Stay tuned by signing up for our email list — we’ll have more information to share in coming weeks. We are deeply grateful to the Ministry for their continued support of health promotion and physical activity. We also want to give a big shout out to the partners across B.C. who have made the Active Communities Grants and Active Play Club initiatives so successful. |
