YORKTON SUMMER PROGRAMS OFF TO GOOD START

Released on June 16, 2003

Four Yorkton community groups today received grants totalling $14,000 from the provincial government through the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) for their culture, education, recreation and youth related summer programming.

"Saskatchewan community based organizations provide the access and services that help children and families to lead healthy and active lifestyles," Deputy Premier and Yorkton MLA Clay Serby said on behalf of Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford. "Summer programs like these help to sustain our vibrant communities well into the future."

Serby presented the Boys and Girls Club of Yorkton with $4,500 for their Summer Programming which will provide fun opportunities for youth ages 6 to 16 to participate in arts and crafts, daily recreation and sports, park activities, face painting, an air band contest, a parade float and a three-day camping trip.

The Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Yorkton received $3,000 for their Sizzling Summer Activity Program, which includes a variety of educational and physically active programs for children and youth such as a canoe and archery clinic, a Kids'n'Kops program to highlight the role of police officers, water safety and outdoor survival, and a sport and recreation day.

The City of Yorkton Leisure Services received $3,500 to help deliver its Summer Culture, Art and Physical Activity Experiences (S-CAPE) program to help children ages 6 to 11 improve their socialization skills through a variety of summer activities at two convenient locations, Columbia School and the Gloria Hayden Community Centre.

With the help of $3,000 in CIF funding, the Parkland Early Childhood Intervention Program will launch its Special Summer and Summer Respite Program targeted at children with special or challenging needs. It will provide access to respite services throughout the week, and parents will also have access to a support group once per week.

"We are geared up for a great summer," Boys and Girls Club of Yorkton Executive Director Lorraine Moeller said. "Without the generous support of the CIF, our youth programs would not be possible."

The CIF was established by the provincial government in 1997 to return a portion of casino profits to communities. Since its inception, the fund has provided more than 2,300 community groups with a total of almost $13.5
million.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Ben Tingley Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306)787-2047 Email: btingley@cyr.gov.sk.ca