The village is getting a grant to expand recreational and physical activities for persons with disabilities at the multiplex.
鈥淭he grant is in the amount of $8,900,鈥� said mayor Chris Beach.
鈥淔unds will be spent on an accessibility project that would include financial assistance primarily through free programming along with the purchase of equipment.鈥�
The grant is one of eight worth $100,000 in all awarded in the north by viaSport, a provincial organization aimed at boosting amateur sport in the province.
鈥淥ur goal is to empower local champions and increase accessibility to sport and recreation based on the specific needs and realities of their community,鈥� said Sheila Bouman, CEO of viaSport.
Grant applications were judged on how the money would be used to reduce barriers to the participation of persons with disabilities.
In addition to the multiplex, the Engage Sport North Society in Prince George, the Prince George Lumber Jacks Wheelchair Basketball Club, the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club in Prince George, the Northern Adapted Sports Association in Prince George, the Special Olympics BC group in Smithers, the Prince George Rugby Club and Special Olympics in Williams Lake received grants.
These grants were made possible by the provincial tourism, arts and culture ministry and the Canadian Paralympic Committee.
Approximately 1 in 7 Canadians has a disability, and half report that barriers prevent them from participating in leisure activities as much as they would like.
