October 6, 2009

Anonymous donation of $3,000 supports B.C. School Sports request for funding

KELOWNA, BC: Each year, thousands of students throughout the province enjoy after school sports that are sanctioned through the B.C. School Sports Association (BCSS). Teachers, administrators, parents and community members volunteer countless hours of coaching to support our student athletes. This year the Provincial government cut funding to BCSS. On September 23, the Board of Trustees turned down a request for $3,000 in funding, arguing that they could not be expected to cover the costs for the budget cuts made at the Provincial level.

Fortunately, one Central Okanagan family’s generosity has made it possible for BC School Sports to receive the funding it needs to continue to provide the same level of service.

“I am very happy to report that an anonymous donor has come forward with $3,000 to fund the sports program,” say Hugh Gloster, Superintendent of Schools. “The donors are parents of children who have actively participated in our athletic program. The parents were very complimentary about the athletic program, the hard work of our coaches and the support of school administrators. It was on this basis that the parents provided us with a cheque for $3,000 and asked that the family remain anonymous.”

BCSS oversees most extracurricular school sports, establishes the rules for competition at provincial championships and sets guidelines for qualification.

Approved by the Superintendent on October 6, 2009

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For comments, please contact:

Hugh Gloster, Superintendent of Schools, (250) 860-8888

For background information, please contact Lisa Harrison lharriso@sd23.bc.ca or 470-3284.