CBT funds ’nature playscape’ project at Begbie View Elementary

More reasons to get active are coming to the Basin this spring with Columbia Basin Trust providing $500,000 for 80 projects to keep youth moving. Two of the supported projects are taking place in Revelstoke.

Revelstoke School District 19 will receive $25,000 to build a nature playscape at Begbie View Elementary School. The City of Revelstoke will receive $2,750 to “help community organizations work together to remove the financial, physical and emotional barriers associated with female youth participating in mountain biking.”

The Trust is supporting sport organizations, schools and active recreation programs to create safe, inclusive and quality programs for youth to build the motivation, physical competence and confidence to participate in sport and active living for life.

“We heard how important it was to parents, educators and communities to get children and youth moving to improve their physical and mental well-being,” said Michelle d’Entremont, Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust. “We’re thrilled that so many groups, schools and individuals have committed to increasing and improving opportunities for young people, which will have so many benefits—including fun—for countless young participants.”

Here is a look at some other projects being supported:

The City of Kimberley and Kimberley Youth Action will offer physical fitness activities for LGBTQ+2S youth with support from Columbia Basin Trust. Photo: Columbia Basin Trust

Adding Hoops in ʔaq̓am

Right now, ʔaq̓am’s community gym, which is attached to its elementary school, has one basketball court better suited to youth and adults than to younger players. It will now add two half-sized courts that will appeal to children, plus enable the school to host tournaments with others. It will also allow for two games to be played at once, increasing community participation.

Space to Learn in Slocan

Since opening in 2008, the Tenacity Skatepark in Slocan has become very popular, with users coming from near and far to skate, blade, bike and scoot on features like a bank, a hubba and rails. Now, two issues are about to be addressed: sometimes the park is too popular, and beginners can find it challenging and intimidating. With additional funding from the Regional District of Central Kootenay, the WE Graham Community Service Society, Slocan Valley Youth Network and Village of Slocan will work together to add a large “easy” section to the park.

 Tailor-made for LGBTQ+2S Youth in Kimberley

As health regulations allow, youth aged 12 to 17 in Kimberley and area who identify as LGBTQ+2S will have new opportunities to have fun and get fit. The City of Kimberley is collaborating with the Kimberley Youth Action Network to offer a variety of programs, including workshops on sports like rugby, indoor climbing and curling.

Girl Power in Sparwood

Pulling on boxing gloves, stretching out on a yoga mat or navigating rapids in a raft are some of the ways girls in Sparwood will be increasing their physical fitness and focusing on personal wellness. The District of Sparwood will partner with local groups to offer girls aged 9 to 11 a free 10-week program that will introduce them to a range of sports and wellness topics like spirituality and emotional health.

Visit BasinPLAYS.org, a free, one-stop resource for people and organizations to find and share sport and physical activities for children and youth in Columbia Basin communities.