Innovative MoreSports Program Wins National Award

November 5, 2004 (No. 80) - The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association has recognized Vancouver's MoreSports community-based recreation program with an Award of Excellence for Innovation at their conference in Halifax on October 22nd. The Vancouver Park Board, a core partner of this program first initiated in 2002, had nominated MoreSports for the prestigious award earlier this year.

MoreSports helps create sustainable community sports programs available to all children and youth in the northeast sector of Vancouver where families may be dealing with a number of social and economic issues that could prevent regular participation. Numerous partnerships between community recreation and neighbourhood associations, businesses and foundations have contributed to the ongoing success and popularity of the MoreSports program. This year alone, 4,000 children and youth enjoyed sporting opportunities and 150 volunteers were trained to help deliver these community-based programs.

As cited in the award presentation, the MoreSports program achieved the following goals:

• innovative approach introducing sports to children and youth;
• building capacity and involvement of area residents;
• building partnerships and support with private and public sectors;
• providing lasting quality of life improvements for residents;
• leading edge setting a standard other communities can follow.

In addition to a grant of $40,000 from their Corporate Sponsorship Fund, the Vancouver Park Board has supported the MoreSports program through staff time and free access to facilities and fields.

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Contact: Joyce Courtney, Manager of Communications, at 604-257-8699

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 200 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.

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