Tag: Recreation

Community Rink Affordability Grant Program

Prince Albert Northcote MLA Alana Ross on behalf of Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross joined officials from the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) and community members in Prince Albert to celebrate the opening of the Community Rink Affordability Grant Program. The Government of Saskatchewan has committed $1.6 million in 2023-24 for the program which provides funding for community-owned indoor skating and curling rinks.

“The Community Rink Affordability Grant program plays an important role in building healthy communities and protecting our local infrastructure,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. “These rinks are a focal point for many communities and offer a wide variety of programming year-round. This grant helps with costs associated with running locally owned rinks, and ensures they remain operational in our communities for years
to come.”

In 2022-23, a total of the 581 ice surfaces received funding, including 376 skating rinks and 205 curling rinks. A $2,500 grant is available for each ice surface, per year for municipally owned facilities, schools, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations.

“The Community Rink Affordability Grant helps build communities across the province with support from volunteers at every level,” Prince Albert Northcote MLA Alana Ross said. “These spaces are well used by families, youth and seniors, with programming that protects the great quality of life we enjoy in our province.”

The SPRA administers and delivers the program on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan.

“We are grateful to the government for their continued support of Saskatchewan’s recreation infrastructure, recognizing its pivotal role in enhancing quality of life in the province,” SPRA President Jody Boulet said. “As communities face increased costs due to inflation, including those related to maintaining vital gathering spaces like rinks, the Community Recreation Affordability Grant Program is a welcome contribution.”

To learn more and register for the Community Rink Affordability Grant program, please complete the online form found on the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association’s website at https://www.spra.sk.ca/funding/our-grants/.

Applications can be submitted until January 15, 2024.

Mark Bracken retires after 38 years in sport and recreation

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Mark Bracken has spent the past 38 years dedicating himself to Saskatchewan sport and recreation. After nearly four decades of commitment, Bracken has announced he will step into retirement as of March 31, 2024.  

In 1988, Bracken began what would be a long and successful career in sport and recreation. Working as the Zone 5 Sport Coordinator, he helped prepare teams for the 1988 Saskatchewan Summer Games in Melfort, the 1990 Saskatchewan Winter Games in Melville and the 1992 Saskatchewan Summer Games in Prince Albert. 

Bracken joined the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association after relocating to Regina in 1992 and spent six years as a Recreation Consultant. From 1998-2014 he joined Sask Sport and contributed to various roles within the organization. Over 17 years, he was involved with KidSport, sponsorship, sport funding, sport legacy funding and coaching development, before being named Executive Director of the Coaches Association of Saskatchewan in 2008.  

In 2014, the final step of his career brought him to the Saskatchewan Games Council as Executive Director, where he remained an integral member for ten years.  

Bracken’s passion for sport reaches beyond his career and led to his involvement with numerous volunteer opportunities. He attended 12 Canada Games where he served various times as Chef de Mission, Assistant Chef de Mission and mission staff. Since 1988, he has assisted in 10 Saskatchewan Games, attended the North American Indigenous Games and several editions of the Tony Cote Games. 

Renewed lottery agreement benefits Saskatchewan communities

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This afternoon, the Government of Saskatchewan, Sask Sport, SaskCulture and the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association signed a renewed lottery distribution agreement, continuing a longstanding and successful partnership.

The renewed agreement guarantees that proceeds from lottery ticket sales will continue to support sport, culture and recreation across the province for the next six years. Saskatchewan has authorized lottery tickets to be used as a dedicated fundraiser for sport, culture and recreation since 1974.

“Lottery funding ultimately touches every person in our province, whether it’s getting active in sports and recreational activities, experiencing the creative arts, or participating in cultural events that celebrate our diversity,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. “These programs are made possible through our partners and a vast network of community volunteers, who deliver experiences that help make Saskatchewan the best places to live, work and raise a family.”  

Funding from Sask Lotteries benefits over 12,000 sport, culture and recreation groups throughout the province. For the 2022-23 fiscal year, approximately $60 million from the Sask Lotteries Trust Fund was granted to organizations across Saskatchewan.

“On behalf of Sask Sport and its volunteers, I am grateful for the continued partnership of a lottery agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan,” Sask Sport Chair Michael Rogers said. “As a parent and participant in sport, every day I see how the funds generated through the agreement benefit Saskatchewan residents and positively impacts communities. A multi-year agreement gives stability for planning for all beneficiary groups to continue creating opportunities that make Saskatchewan vibrant for everyone.”

“Lottery funding is so important to ensuring that cultural activity adds to the quality of life of individuals and families in this province,” SaskCulture Board Chair Jan Seibel said. “From attending a musical to learning a traditional dance, or joining a writing group, or perhaps, exploring a museum, many people look forward to accessing cultural programs, events and services as a regular part of their lives.  As a whole, these types of activities help shape the Saskatchewan experience.  We are very pleased with the renewal of this agreement, and government’s commitment to helping ensure that an even greater diversity of peoples can engage in cultural and creative pursuits that contribute to a culturally vibrant province.”

“The government’s continued support of recreation, culture, and sport speaks volumes about the value created by our industries’ collective work,” Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association Board President, Jody Boulet said that. “We are honoured to be tasked with enhancing quality of life for Saskatchewan people through parks and recreation for another six years and beyond.”

The agreement allows continued investments in strategic priority areas, such as engaging diverse and equity-deserving populations; supporting access to safe and welcoming sport, culture and recreation communities; and encouraging well-being and active lifestyles.