We know that people of all ages are happier and healthier when they play sports. We want to help build a better and stronger future for Nova Scotians. That’s why we are proud to do our part to support sport.
Since its creation in 2006, the Support4Sport program has raised almost $6 million from the sale of themed lottery tickets. That money has been used to buy sports equipment, create and enhance recreation/participation programming for all ages, support performance training programs for competitive athletes and hire coaches at all levels. Ultimately, this funding is creating opportunities for everyone from 5-year-olds who want to play soccer to 19-year-olds who want to compete in Olympic paddling, to 60-year-olds who want to play recreational tennis.
Here are just a few examples of the programs, athletes and coaches that have benefitted from Support4Sport:
Athletes
- Paul Tingley – a Paraolympic sailor, Paul also competed in Beijing. Training provided as a result of Support4Sport funding helped to make his dream possible.
- Alexandra Duckworth – an up-and-coming female snowboarder, Alexandra is one to watch as she works towards the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Support4Sport funding is doing its part to help get her there.
- Mark James – after being introduced to canoe/kayak at age 4, Mark is a 17 year old paddler with high hopes for the 2012 Olympic Games. Support4Sport lets Mark train so he can race at international meets against the best paddlers in the world, instead of picking up extra work shifts after school.
Community Sporting Programs
- Canoe Kayak, Atlantic Division - Canoe Kayak has received funding in all categories: Canada Games, Coach Employment, Multi-Year Participation Development programs, and Participation Development Support.
- Squash Nova Scotia - Squash has received funding in the following categories: Canada Games and Multi-Year Participation Development programs. Through Support4Sport funding, Squash Nova Scotia has initiated junior training programs throughout the Province, provided coaching to new players to introduce them to the game and held a series of clinics directed at the casual player to upgrade their skills and have them participate more informally organized events.
- Biathlon Nova Scotia - Biathlon has received funding in the following areas: Canada Games and Participation Development Support. As a result of Support4Sport funding Biathlon Nova Scotia was able to conduct a Canada Games talent and evaluation camp for 20 invited biathletes and eight coaches/officials at the 2003 Canada Winter Games venue (Charlo, New Brunswick). Three biathlon officials were trained as Instructors to eventually train the 100 officials required for the Canada Winter Games. Additionally, Biathlon Nova Scotia was able to select a team of athletes to compete at North American Cup6/Eastern Canadian Championships in Valcartier, Quebec. The athletes won one gold, two silver medals and one bronze. Two coaches and four officials also participated.
Coaches
- David Kikuchi - a Nova Scotia gymnast and coach, David was a competitor on the Canadian Olympic team in Beijing and is currently a Support4Sport funded coach for young Nova Scotia gymnasts.
- Daniel Worthington – a Soccer Nova Scotia staff coach and Canada Games coach, Danny also oversees the Long Term Player Development program across Nova Scotia, which encourages players of all ages to grow their physical, psychological, leadership and life skills
