Council Offers Support to Sports Council

Monday, February 04, 2008 07:57 PM

Prince George, B.C. - The Sport Council in Prince George has been operating for about a year now, but tonight, Prince George City Council gave the Sport Council its support.

Mayor Colin Kinsley says there is no secret there is more strength in numbers especially when it comes to attracting major events to the city.

The mission statement for the Sport Council says that is "Strives to be a unified voice to affect positive change and strengthen our diverse sporting community."

The request for $8,000 in annual funding has been put over to the budget process.

That money would be to pay for a person to update the website, send out the e-newsletter and drum up membership.

The Sport Council has outlined several goals, including:

initiate the development of a Municipal Sport Policy for Prince George.
develop a Municipal Sport Policy in consultation with community stakeholders
annually review the sports policy and provide recommendations to the City of Prince George.
identify and maintain a network of sport resources, information and education
maintain up to date information on all sport organizations in the community
establish a regular e-newsletter
maintain a Sport Council of Prince George website www.sportcouncilpg.ca
develop a database of sport groups and contacts,
Play a consultative and advocacy role in Sport Event Hosting
Identify sources of available funding,promote sport development and strengthen sport organzations in Prince George
encourage the sport community to pursue professional development opportunities for athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers.

The Sport Council has already established itself as a society and has conducted a survey on sport related concerns. The survey of sport organizations in the City was conducted last May. There was a 55% response rate.

The survey found that overall respondents suggest there is an increase in participation in sport, and they are optimistic this trend will continue.

The survey also found that inadequate facilities (whether a lack of facilities or not maintained) was a primary reason why their sport was unable to meet the needs of all individuals interested in participating.

Another prominent reason offered by respondents was insufficient resources in their organization such as lack of funding and volunteers or staff.

A small majority agreed that sport facilities are safe and accessible to those who use them, the condition of facilities was adequate, their quality is satisfactory and equipment and amenities are sufficient.

Approximately 60% of respondents agreed that the cost of facilities and amenities were reasonable while only 38% felt the current capacity of sport facilities is adequate.

"This is long overdue in this City" says Councilor Shirley Gratton.

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