CASINO FUNDS HELP SASKATCHEWAN ABILITIES COUNCIL

The Saskatoon Branch of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council today received grants totalling $4000 from the provincial government through the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) for its Summer Fun program.

Summer Fun is a Saskatoon-based recreational program targeted to children and youth with severe physical disabilities and is designed to provide stimulating and challenging events that focus on personal and social development. The program will develop participants' independence, self-esteem and their overall quality of life through recreational activities such as swimming, horseback riding, river boat cruises, water sliding, fishing and canoeing.

"Increasing accessibility to a healthy and physically active lifestyle is important for a better quality of life, especially for those who may face barriers," Saskatoon Nutana MLA Pat Atkinson said on behalf of Culture Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford. "Together we are building lasting legacies that will highlight Saskatchewan's vibrant communities and our wide open future."

The Summer Fun program will enhance recreational opportunities by breaking down some of the barriers that impede the ability to lead physically active lifestyles. Some of these barriers can include lack of knowledge of accessible facilities and transportation, the inability to leave one's residence without the aid of an attendant, and lack of an appropriate peer group.

Summer Fun is a collaborative program involving the Saskatchewan Cerebral Palsy Association, Saskatchewan Abilities Council, Alvin Buckwold Child Development Centre and the Saskatoon school systems.

"The program gives children and youth the opportunity to be involved with summer activities that they normally would not be able to partake in due to barriers," Program Manager Joyce Phillips said. "The dedicated staff and volunteers, and the CIF funding, will all help to make this an exceptional year."

The CIF was established by the provincial government in 1997 to deliver a portion of casino profits to communities. Since its inception, the fund has provided more than 2300 community groups with a total of almost $13.5 million.

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For More Information, Contact:

Sandhya Padmanabh Culture, Youth & Recreation Regina Phone: (306)787-4967 Email: spadmanabh@cyr.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306)533-4909