Public-input meetings start Wednesday, May 14
North Kootenay sport and recreation groups are banding together to share resources.
Many local sport and recreation groups have common issues: from training coaches and referees, to attracting and retaining volunteers. To help these groups share solutions and resources, the Kaslo Sufferfest Society has spearheaded a project to create a regional sport council, with $20,000 in support from the Trust.
Over the past two years, 18 groups have come together and expressed a desire to collaborate. The first step was to hire a consultant and put together a working team of local contact people, who are now gathering information on how to best create the North Kootenay Sport and Recreation Council to satisfy local needs. The region served will stretch from Kaslo and North Kootenay Lake, to the communities around Slocan Lake, to the communities around Arrow Lakes Reservoir.
The next step is to speak with residents and sport and recreation groups. The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 14, at 7 p.m. at the Seniors Hall in Nakusp (210 – 8 Ave.). Meetings in New Denver and Kaslo will be scheduled in the near future.
“These public meetings will give us feedback and help us develop models of what the council could look like,” said consultant Val Mayes. “We’re using Canadian Sport for Life concepts: the idea that people of all ages can participate in sport and recreation, and that we should be active our entire lives. The regional council will help local groups do their work.”
In addition to affecting health and well-being, the council will also touch upon economic well-being, as many communities benefit when sporting events attract visitors.
“The sport and recreation sector touches upon the lives of residents of all ages and athletic abilities,” said Lynda Lafleur, Trust Community Liaison. “This makes this collaboration important, as the priorities it will develop will help organizations pursue their activities.”
The goal is to have the council in place by fall 2014. For more information, contact Val Mayes at 250.226.7399 or valleymayes@gmail.com.
