McGuinty government's investment keeping residents of Huron County active - July 9, 2007

Communities In Action Fund Investing Even More Into Ontario Communities In 2007-08

CLINTON – The McGuinty government is providing $7,500 to the Huron County Health Unit for their “Just Try It” program through the 2007-08 Communities in Action Fund (CIAF) to increase physical activity and sport participation rates in Huron County, Carol Mitchell, MPP Huron-Bruce announced today on behalf of Minister of Health Promotion Jim Watson.

This program, which is a joint venture between the Huron County Health Unit, South Huron District High School, the Municipality of South Huron Recreation Department, and the local Take Heart Huron Program, is designed to reduce barriers to physical activities through four phases. “Just Try It” will be developed as a holistic and universal program that will blend sport and recreation programs to meet the needs and interest of youth in the Municipality of South Huron.

“CIAF grants are making it easier for residents in this community to become more active,” said MPP Carol Mitchell. “These grants will provide new and enhanced sport, recreation and physical activity programs that will improve the health and fitness of local families.”

“We are very excited about the project and this funding announcement through the Ontario government will help us move it forward.” said Penny Nelligan, Executive Director, Huron County Health Unit. “This program will help fulfill two needs in Huron County – curtailing the expanding rate of child obesity and filling the need for recreational activity available to youth in the area”.

The Communities In Action Fund, now in its fourth year is a $5 million program that has awarded more than $16 million to approximately 548 organizations at the local and provincial levels and has benefited approximately 1 million people. In March 2007, the Ontario government announced that the provincial budget will allocate an additional $2.5 million - for a total of $7.5 million - to the 2007-2008 fund. As a result of the additional funding, the Ministry of Health Promotion is now accepting new applications for a second round of funding. Applications will be accepted until noon on June 15, 2007.

The Communities In Action Fund is a key initiative of the government’s physical activity strategy and Ontario’s Action Plan for Healthy Eating and Active Living. By improving opportunities for community sport and physical activity, CIAF helps to remove barriers to participation for children and youth, low-income families, aboriginal people, older adults, women and girls, visible/ethnic minorities and people with disabilities. Visit www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/sportandrec/fund.asp for details.

“Through CIAF, we partner with organizations that have already helped thousands of Ontarians to develop more healthy and active lifestyles,” said Watson. “I am looking forward to seeing the great work that organizations across the province will do in 2007-08 to make Ontarians even healthier.”

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Contact:
Carol Mitchell,
MPP Huron-Bruce
519-482-5630