B.C. Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes chose Harwin elementary school to announce Friday that an sports and arts-oriented after-school program is getting $2 million to double the existing number of spaces across B.C.
The After School Sport and Arts Initiative (ASSAI) began in 2010 in five pilot communities.
It now covers 150 schools in 30 communities across the province and in 2012-13 was expanded to include an arts component.
Harwin has been regarded as one of the program's success stories, and Oakes heard first-hand testimonials from three of the school's students after announcing the funding.
They made plenty of reference to the Goals and Dreams Hockey Academy, conceived by Harwin principal Nevio Rossi, as well as to dance class, volleyball, triathlon, boot camp, kick boxing, skating and swimming.
"I feel these programs have made me a better person," said one student. "I am braver, stronger and more courageous because of my experiences."
ASSAI is primarily meant to benefit youth ranging in age from kindergarten to grade 8 who face financial, social or geographic barriers to participation in after school sport and arts programming.
Partners in the program include the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Directorate of Agencies for School Health (DASH), the B.C. Parks and Recreation Association. More information can be found at www.dashbc.ca.
