NOTE: A list of grants announced today follows this release.
Young people are taking part in hockey, swimming, rock climbing and more through After the Bell programs in the Fundy region.
Today, Feb. 29, Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Karen Casey, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine, announced more than $15,000 of funding for after-school activities in Bible Hill, Truro, Stewiacke and Colchester County.
“Empowering young women, on and off the ice, through the sport of hockey, is what this program provides,” said Chelsea Baird, coach for Babes on Blades in Tatamagouche. “We are grateful for the After the Bell program.”
Babes on Blades is a program funded through After the Bell and is designed to teach the basics of hockey to young women with little or no experience.
After the Bell aims to increase physical activity in youth ages 12 to 15 years old, with a priority to involve girls. Research shows just 21 per cent of girls meet the daily standard of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Last year, 79 per cent of the 1,958 After the Bell participants were girls.
“After the Bell provides youth, especially girls, with the opportunity to stay active close to home,” said Ms. Casey. “These after-school activities show our youth the importance of living a physically active and healthy lifestyle.”
Groups that receive After the Bell funding can decide which activities they would like to run based on the needs of their community.
Government is investing $282,000 in After the Bell projects in 67 communities across the province.
Source: Release