The provincial government is stepping up with a big funding promise for amateur leagues and teams hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the WHL and BCHL aren害羞草研究所檛 directly referenced in the news release announcing the $15 million relief fund, the money 害羞草研究所渨ill help amateur sports leagues and teams with operational costs, such as salaries, administrative costs, personal protective equipment, and the development of COVID-19 safety plans to ensure the safety of athletes and staff.害羞草研究所�

Both leagues would fit that criteria.

The fund will be administered by viaSport and according to the release, focus on leagues and teams owned and operated in BC that do not pay athletes, and can demonstrate at least a 30 per cent loss in revenue due to the pandemic.

College/university teams aren害羞草研究所檛 eligible.

害羞草研究所淲e have heard from hockey leagues about the pandemic being a tough opponent,害羞草研究所� said BC Premier John Horgan. 害羞草研究所淭his new relief fund will help them and other amateur leagues to get through these challenging times. We want sports fans to be able once again to cheer for their favourite teams on the diamond, at the local arena and on the pitch once the pandemic is over.害羞草研究所�

害羞草研究所淏.C.-based amateur sport organizations play a vital role in developing athletes who represent B.C. in provincial, national and international competition,害羞草研究所� added Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. 害羞草研究所淪ome of these athletes have spent their whole lives working to get to this stage. This investment is another important measure our government is taking, so amateur athletes can continue to follow their dreams.害羞草研究所�

The Local Sport Relief Fund is also helping, with $1.5 million in provincial and federal money going to 288 local sport organizations throughout BC. After seeing high demand for the first round of funding, a second round was launched earlier in March and applications are being accepted until April 30 at

害羞草研究所淒uring the pandemic, the absence of sport has had a profound impact on participants, athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, organizations and communities,害羞草研究所� said viaSport CEO Charlene Krepiakevich. 害羞草研究所淭his funding will help fill the gap and support B.C.-based amateur sports leagues and teams that have been ineligible for provincial sport relief funding to date and are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic.害羞草研究所�

eric.welsh@theprogress.com
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