By Breanne Massey
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) recently announced $500,000 for 80 projects in support of youth sports and physical activities.

In an effort to create safe spaces for people to play sports at community organizations, schools and active recreation centres, the CBT opted to get involved to support the desire for active lives in the communities.

“We heard how important it was to parents, educators and communities to get children and youth moving to improve their physical and mental well-being,” said Michelle d’Entremont, Manager, Delivery of Benefits, CBT in a recent press release. “We’re thrilled that so many groups, schools and individuals have committed to increasing and improving opportunities for young people, which will have so many benefits—including fun—for countless young participants.”

The community gym in ?aq’am, which is attached to the elementary school near Cranbrook, has typically had one basketball court. Now, it’s going to have two-half sized courts for children.

This change will allow the school to host tournaments with others in hopes of increasing community participation.

“This project aligns with the community’s strategic objectives under ?aqa‡xuniyam (health) and k?inq’uyam (recreation),” said Nasu?kin Joe Pierre in a recent press release. “We have a beautiful recreational facility and always strive to ensure that we have the right equipment and programming so that all our community members, including the youngest, can access recreation and sport.”

In addition, there are several other community initiatives located on the unceded territories of the Secwepemc, Sinixt, Sylix, Lheidli Tenneh and Ktunaxa Nations that have benefited from the CBT’s funding.

The Kimberley Youth Action and the City of Kimberley plan to offer physical fitness activities for LGBTQ2S+ with support from the CBT.

The District of Sparwood will offer physical fitness training programs and activities for girls through the CBT’s support.

The WE Graham Community Service Society, the Slocan Valley Youth Network and the Village of Slocan have plans to expand the Tenacity Skatepark thanks to the CBT’s support.

To learn more about physical activities for children in the Basin, please visit: https://basinplays.org/ for your one-stop resource.