May 23, 2014
École Stanley Knowles School Celebrates Opening of New Basketball Court
– – –More Kids to Have More Opportunities to Pursue their Passion for Basketball: Minister Chief
Thousands of Winnipeg youth will be able to play more basketball this summer on a new outdoor court at the École Stanley Knowles School thanks to funding from the Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program,Children and Youth Opportunities Minister Kevin Chief, minister responsible for the City of Winnipeg, announced today.
“As a long-time basketball player, I can tell you sport opened many doors me. I want more kids to have more opportunities to pursue their passion for sports,” said Minister Chief. “Sport facilities like this strengthen our communities and inspire us to play harder and give our best. The benefits of fitness and self confidence that are built through sport can last a lifetime."
The province provided the École Stanley Knowles School Parent Advisory Council with funding for a new, state-of-the-art outdoor basketball court. The project included replacing the existing cement and old poles with a new basketball court including fencing, bleachers and lighting which is available for students, as well as the community.
“The students are ecstatic. There’s nothing around us – it’s quite a distance to go to the next place that has a play structure or a basketball court. Anyone in this part of the city now has access to the court for their children to play on as well. It gives the kids an avenue to exert some energy, do something positive and have some fun,” said Heather Grant-Jury, president, École Stanley Knowles School Parent Advisory Council.
The Province of Manitoba committed $43,000 to the project through the Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program, a three-year, $7.5-million program that provides grants to support not‑for‑profit or city-owned community recreation facilities within Winnipeg. The province also committed an additional $30,000 to the project through the Community Places Program, as well as $5,000 through the Sports Opportunities Program.
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