Ontario Supporting At Risk Youth in Brampton

Ontario is supporting new sport and physical activity programs for at-risk youth in Brampton to help them lead more active and healthy lives.

Through the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund, the province is providing $46,423 to the Free For All Foundation for their “Pumped-Up Program”. This project will provide new sport and physical activity programs for 100 at-risk youth living in Brampton. The program will engage youth in athletics, educate them in healthy nutritional habits and support positive attitude development.

The Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund supports the government’s Healthy Kids strategy, which is aimed at reducing childhood obesity, its Stepping Up framework, which encourages a shared approach to improving the well-being of young people, and builds on the positive legacy of the TORONTO 2015 Pan/Parapan Am Games. Sport, recreation and physical activity contribute to positive economic and social outcomes, such as increased productivity, improved student achievement and reduced health care costs.

Enabling people in communities across Ontario to lead healthy, active lives is part of the government’s plan for Ontario. The plan builds Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

QUOTES

“Sports have the power to play a positive role in the lives of our youth. By investing in sport and recreation, our government is providing opportunities for young people to get active, engage with their communities and develop the skills they need to excel. Investments like this are part of our commitment to building a healthier and more vibrant future for our province.”

— Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario

“Healthy communities start with setting our children on the right path to good health.  Our Healthy Kids strategy encourages communities to introduce sports and recreation initiatives that will improve the health and well-being of our young people.  Engaging our youth and laying a foundation for a lifetime of good health is key to their self-confidence and success.”

— Harinder Malhi, MPP, Brampton Springdale.

“Healthy and active communities contribute to a stronger and more prosperous Ontario. Through the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund, the Ontario government is proud to support sport and recreation organizations in communities across the province that work tirelessly to help Ontarians of all ages, including children and youth, to remain active, engaged and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.”

— Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport and Minister Responsible for the Pan/Parapan American Games

QUICK FACTS

• The Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund program launched in January 2013.
• Supporting community-based activities to promote healthier living is a key recommendation of the Healthy Kids Panel report.