ViaSport BC Youth Programs Grant Awarded to Pickleball BC Association (“PBCA”)

​viaSport/PBCA Announcement September 15th 2024: viaSport awards PBCA a $30,000 Grant “Activating Youth Pickleball K-7 in Under Resourced Schools”:

Background:

In June 2024 viaSport BC announced a grant proposal of up to $30,000 per BC Provincial Sport Organization under a BC Sport Participation Program called the “Provincial Sport Development Fund”. The BCSPP supports programs that attract children, youth, Indigenous and under-represented populations to lead active and healthy lifestyles through involvement in sport while also helping to support communities delivering physical activity programming throughout the province. Programs taking place between July 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025 were eligible to apply. PBCA felt that we qualified, and we applied on June 30th 2024.

Grant Award: We are happy to announce that our bid was successful and we are the recipients of a viaSport $30,000 Grant.

As part of our proposal to ViaSport, we identified 3 regions in the province that would help lead the charge with us. The Okanagan, Vancouver and Lower Vancouver Island

Vancouver Pickleball Association (“VPA”), Janet Martini President, was the first to step up as Region 1 Vancouver and contribute not only to overall project coordination and manpower (given their EVES experience and knowledge), but also to invest in the project. Next was Region 2 Vancouver Island with Victoria Regional Pickleball Association Connie McCann President who stepped up with both project manpower but also an investment. Then on behalf of Thompson Okanagan Region 3, Vernon Pickleball Club Youth Committee under Rick Klein committed. Our 3 Regions and club representation was formed!

The budget that we proposed included: investments from PBCA and our partners; equipment (paddles, nets and balls) for 3 Regions; programming oversight and Regional coordination; monthly “Learn and Play” sessions; NCCP training for coaches; school planning guide, tool sets and curriculum documentation.

The objective is to have a youth programs K-7 resource package including a curriculum and tool set posted on our PBCA website for all clubs to utilize in mid 2025.

So now that we have been awarded the funds, what is the plan for phase two of this project? With one project meeting under our belt, having lined up some sponsors and project principals, here is the summary of some of our major goals:

• Now that schools are back in session, help kick off the project in each of the 3 Regions, supported by PBCA, the EVES experts and our Regional Affiliated Clubs mentioned above
• In order to “Activate Youth Pickleball K-7” (pickleball for schools, in schools, by schools) provide equipment, coaches, curriculum for youth pickleball programming K-7, and pickleball club support in our 3 Regions
• Ensure pickleball thrives and is sustainable – embedded within schools’ curriculum, woven into the fabric of a school-as-a-community, powered by schools with community sport support
• Effect school educators’ collaboration with sport leaders in their communities
• Build a prototype for developing physical literacy and nurturing social interaction for elementary school students of all abilities and ages
• Cornerstone for advancing pickleball and creating opportunities for the greatest number of children and young people
• Continue the support of a sport that is wonderfully and incomparably … fun!

We welcome any questions or comments to [email protected] on this significant new PBCA initiative made possible by viaSport British Columbia!
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Above – the partners currently in Phase 1 of our BC Youth K-7 Project: Vancouver Pickleball Association, Vernon Pickleball Club, Victoria Regional Pickleball Association, Pickleball BC Association.

ABOUT VIASPORT:
Via Sport is an organization that benefits children without access to adequate sports infrastructure, women without access to sport opportunities, and people with physical disabilities through the sports programs and training we provide. Unlike the many other international development and sustainable tourism programs, Via Sport has a proven track record through its high quality research and evaluation of sport programs.
OUR VISION: Our vision is to create social impact by creating a healthy, happy and inclusive society.
OUR MISSION: Via Sport’s mission is to create impact through sport by providing access to sports infrastructure to schools and communities. We encourage women’s equality, disability inclusion, and cultural exchange.