2010 Legacies Now in partnership with the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport will provide a $2,000 grant to Special Olympics BC (Kimberley/Cranbrook) through the Local Sport Program Development Fund (LSDF).

Special Olympics will use the grant to buy equipment and train coaches in the Active Start program, a new initiative that promotes motor skill development among toddlers and children with intellectual disabilities.

LSDF grants are available to municipalities, sport organizations and Aboriginal communities with support from 2010 Legacies Now and the Province of B.C. through the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport.

Organizations receive up to $2,000 to develop new, or enhance existing, programs that encourage greater participation and access to sport for people of all abilities.

"This funding truly brings all British Columbians together, giving everyone the opportunity to keep active within their own communities," said Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport. "New equipment, coaching theories and sporting clinics are just a few of the areas this funding will be put towards. Whether it is a team or individual sport, these programs create a welcoming environment, helping people boost their self-confidence in a supportive, fun atmosphere."

Tom Walker, Director of Sport Participation at 2010 Legacies Now added: "There are many benefits to helping youth and others throughout B.C. join sport and recreation opportunities in their own backyards. This contributes to better health, learning to set personal and team goals and it builds a positive community network of support."

Since the LSDF launched in 2008, it has contributed a total of $160,000 to support 79 community projects and new sport opportunities for people of all ages throughout B.C. In this most recent round of funding, 2010 Legacies Now $40,080 to 21 community sport projects. For more information about the program, visit www.2010LegaciesNow.com/local_sport_development_fund/.