SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM RECEIVES CASINO FUNDS

The Qu'Appelle Valley Recreation Association today received $1,000 from the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) for its Special Needs Swim Program for physically and mentally challenged students.

Participants in the Special Needs Swim Program will have greater access to water-based exercise programs specially designed to accelerate the development of their motor skills. The program will also provide a safe opportunity for social interaction.

"This program promotes healthy, active living while providing the community with an opportunity to participate," Government Relations Minister Ron Osika said in presenting the cheque on behalf of Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford. "I am pleased to see communities develop opportunities to make recreation available to everyone."

The CIF funds will help secure regular one-hour swim times at the Melville pools for both physically and mentally challenged participants within the Qu'Appelle Valley Recreation Association boundaries. There are four schools within Melville that participate in this program as well as a school within the Scenic Valley school division. Rail City Industries, a recycling company that employs mentally and physically challenged adults, also participates in the program.

"All organizations and school divisions involved are working to improve awareness of the benefits of recreational activities, especially for the disabled," Secretary Treasurer for the Qu'Appelle Valley Recreation Association Jo-Ann Bernhardt said. "Thanks to the community and CIF funds, we're reducing barriers so that more people can benefit from regular physical activity."

The provincial government established the CIF, formerly known as the Associated Entities Fund, in 1997. Since its inception, the province's CIF has provided more than 1,900 community groups with a total of almost $12 million.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Sandhya Padmanabh Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: 306)787-4967