Athletes, groups showered with YTG money

The Yukon government announced $935,000 in grants for 27 local athletes and officials and 26 sports and recreation groups Tuesday afternoon.

The Yukon government announced $935,000 in grants for 27 local athletes and officials and 26 sports and recreation groups Tuesday afternoon.

Some of the many up-and-coming athletes in the Yukon received grants from $1,000 to as high as $7,000, while sport associations were allotted $2,000 to $90,000.

“Annual funding to sport and recreation organizations supports programs that improve our quality of life and provide opportunities for Yukoners of all ages to be active,” said Community Services Minister Archie Lang.

“The dedication and commitment of our volunteers, coaches, sporting officials and parents help athletes achieve their goals and encourage Yukoners to have active lifestyles.”

Alain Masson, head coach of the Yukon Cross Country Ski Team, said the funding helps Cross Country Yukon develop world-class athletes.

“That’s one of the reasons we’ve been so successful,” he said. “It’s wonderful. We’re very pleased and very happy to receive this kind of support.”

Masson said this year, cross country skiing athletes are seeing the largest amount of funding yet.

“That’s the most ever,” he said of the $45,500 to be split among seven skiers. “I think it’s just a reflection of the athletes.”

Masson added that the grant comes at a time when Cross Country Yukon is seeing more talent.

“Right now, we’re doing quite well,” he said. “It’s great.”

He said the funding helps all athletes involved with Cross Country Yukon attend competitions and travel.

“It makes a big difference for our athletes.”

Dan Poelman, president of Judo Yukon, said the money helps the Yukon’s judo athletes attend competitions as well.

“This will certainly help with our expenses, especially when we travel,” he said.

Poelman said the amount Judo Yukon received has risen to $7,500 since last year .

“This year, we got a little bit more, so we’re pleased.”

Judo Yukon is preparing to send several athletes to a tournament Outside at the beginning of July.

The Yukon Amateur Hockey Association is receiving $69,000.

“Without the help that we get from the government, we wouldn’t be able to run the programs that we have,” said association president Walter Brennan. The money helps with not only programming, but coaching and travel, he added.

“We wouldn’t be able to produce the athletes that we have,” he said.

About 23 Yukon hockey players are playing outside of the territory, thanks to minor hockey development in the Yukon, Brennan added.

“Each of these organizations does outstanding work, which is why we recommend funding them. With the help of thousands of volunteers, these groups deliver sport, recreation and healthy living programs to Yukoners across the territory,” said Ron McFadyen, chair of the Yukon Recreation Advisory Committee.

The funding for the grants comes from a revenue-sharing agreement involving the Yukon Lottery Commission and the territorial government.

“The benefits of investing in sport and recreation impact positively on long-term health and builds vibrant communities,” Lang added.

Sport and recreation groups receiving the grants for a total of $520,000 are:

• Cross Country Yukon, $90,000

• Yukon Soccer Association, $89,000

• Yukon Amateur Hockey Association, $69,000

• Swim Yukon, $39,500

• Basketball Yukon, $30,000

• Volleyball Yukon, $29,000

• Yukon Gymnastic Association, $27,000

• Softball Yukon, $19,000

• Alpine Skiing, $15,500

• Squash Yukon, $15,000

• Yukon Curling Association, $14,000

• Yukon Amateur Speed Skating Association, $11,500

• Biathlon Yukon, $10,400

• Yukon Badminton Association, $8,000

• Judo Yukon, $7,500

• Freestyle Skiing, $6,100

• Yukon Orienteering Association, $6,000

• Figure Skating, $5,000

• Yukon Golf Association, $5,000

• Yukon Tennis Association, $5,000

• Synchro Yukon Association, $4,500

• Snowboard Yukon Association, $3,500

• Equine Association of Yukon, $3,000

• Table Tennis, $3,000

• Yukon Shooting Federation, $2,500

• Athletics Yukon, $2,000

Yukon Special Recreation Groups receiving $185,000 in funding;

• Recreation and Parks Association of the Yukon, Skookum Jim Friendship Centre, $64,750

• Yukon Special Olympics, $18,000

• ElderActive Recreation Association, Girl Guides – Yukon Council, $14,000

• Yukon Scout Council, $9,500

Individual athletes receiving $88,500 in grants are:

• Dahria Beatty and Janelle Greer, Knute Johnsgaard, Emily Nishikawa and Danielle Marcotte, $7,000

• David Greer and Graham Nishikawa, $6,750

• Colin Abbott, $4,000

• William Mahoney, Thomas Scoffin and Mitchell Young, Chelsea Duncan, Jenna Duncan, Linea Eby, Sarah Koltun and Patricia Wallingham $2,500

• Lee Hawkings, $2,000

• Troy Henry and Tanner Cassidy, $1,750

• Erin Oliver-Beebe, Kendra Murray, Haley Braga, Isabel Parkkari, and Rachel Pettitt, $1,500

• Amelia Austin, Kirsten Berube and Taylor Campbell, $1,000

Officials receiving $3,500 in funding:

• Stephen Mooney, Tony Gaw and Joyce Bachli, $1,000

• Chris Toleman, $500