Quest for Gold: Northern athletes, sporting events access provincial funding

The Ontario government is investing $16.76-million in sports in the province, and some of that money could be coming to athletes, and event organizers in northwestern Ontario.

"Sport is all about creating opportunity for young people to participate," says Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

"It's about creating healthy habits for life. It's about getting young people excited and energized."

There are 15 athletes in Thunder Bay, participating in diving, curling, cross-country-skiing and wrestling, who are eligible for funding from Ontario's Quest for Gold program, she said.

"It pays for their expenses, generally, it helps them to excel, and it helps them to spend time on their sport," McMahon said.

Organizers of the Under-18 Baseball World Cup in Thunder Bay in 2017 may also be able to access funding for the event through the Ontario Sport Hosting Program.

"I think that would be absolutely fantastic," said McMahon.

"My understanding is that there has been an approach made to the ministry," she said, "and so I look forward to hearing more about that and to providing assistance in any way we can" including assistance with the application process.

A portion of the funds from this program are also earmarked for helping Indigenous and low-income children and families have more access to sports, said McMahon.

The Community Aboriginal Recreation Activator program provides funding to neighbourhood groups and First Nations to hire people to create a sports and activity program, designed specifically for the needs of that community, she said.