Waterdown – Sport clinics for youth, personal fitness programs for cancer survivors, and after-school recreation programs for disadvantaged youth are among the provincially-funded programs that are helping Ontarians get active.

Since 2004, over one million Ontarians have overcome barriers to sport and physical activity with the assistance of the province’s Communities in Action Fund (CIAF).

Applications for this year’s CIAF program are now open and local not-for-profit organizations are encouraged to apply. This year, the Ontario government is again providing $7.5 million for projects that will help remove barriers to physical activity.

“Our government is providing access to sport and recreation for everyone,” said Ted McMeekin MPP Ancaster Dundas Flamborough Westdale. “By supporting the work of community-based organizations, we are providing opportunities for our community members to get active.”

The deadline for applications for 2008/09 funding is March 20, 2008. More information is available at www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/sportandrec/fund.asp .

The Communities in Action Fund is one of several initiatives implemented by the McGuinty government to provide ways for Ontarians to become healthier.

Other initiatives include:

•       The Community Use of Schools program which enables community groups to access schools after hours for affordable sport and recreation programming

•       Creating a healthier school environment for Ontario students by banning the use of trans-fat in school cafeterias and establishing healthy nutrition standards

•       Creating Ontario’s Healthy Eating, Active Living Action Plan to improve the health of all Ontarians and

•       Removing the retail sales tax on bicycle helmets, related safety equipment and bicycles under $1000 to encourage more Ontarians to cycle.

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For more information:

Contact Ted McMeekin MPP

905-690-6552