The provincial government is stepping up with a big funding promise for amateur leagues and teams hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the WHL and BCHL arenB次元官网网址檛 directly referenced in the news release announcing the $15 million relief fund, the money B次元官网网址渨ill help amateur sports leagues and teams with operational costs, such as salaries, administrative costs, personal protective equipment, and the development of COVID-19 safety plans to ensure the safety of athletes and staff.B次元官网网址�

Both leagues would fit that criteria.

The fund will be administered by viaSport and according to the release, focus on leagues and teams owned and operated in BC that do not pay athletes, and can demonstrate at least a 30 per cent loss in revenue due to the pandemic.

College/university teams arenB次元官网网址檛 eligible.

B次元官网网址淲e have heard from hockey leagues about the pandemic being a tough opponent,B次元官网网址� said BC Premier John Horgan. B次元官网网址淭his new relief fund will help them and other amateur leagues to get through these challenging times. We want sports fans to be able once again to cheer for their favourite teams on the diamond, at the local arena and on the pitch once the pandemic is over.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淏.C.-based amateur sport organizations play a vital role in developing athletes who represent B.C. in provincial, national and international competition,B次元官网网址� added Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. B次元官网网址淪ome of these athletes have spent their whole lives working to get to this stage. This investment is another important measure our government is taking, so amateur athletes can continue to follow their dreams.B次元官网网址�

The Local Sport Relief Fund is also helping, with $1.5 million in provincial and federal money going to 288 local sport organizations throughout BC. After seeing high demand for the first round of funding, a second round was launched earlier in March and applications are being accepted until April 30 at

B次元官网网址淒uring the pandemic, the absence of sport has had a profound impact on participants, athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, organizations and communities,B次元官网网址� said viaSport CEO Charlene Krepiakevich. B次元官网网址淭his funding will help fill the gap and support B.C.-based amateur sports leagues and teams that have been ineligible for provincial sport relief funding to date and are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic.B次元官网网址�

eric.welsh@theprogress.com
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