$3.9 million has been committed to develop an international paralympic athletic training centre

KIMBERLEY – The Town of Kimberley will receive $3.9 million in funding to develop an international paralympic athletic training centre that will be the first of its kind in Canada, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Wendy McMahon announced today.

"This facility will benefit our local athletes and athletes from all over Canada as they strive toward their goals," said McMahon. "Kimberley has already hosted several Paralympic World Cup ski competitions and this centre will showcase the region’s expertise in the area of alpine and Nordic sport development for athletes with disabilities."

The City of Kimberley will partner with Resorts of the Canadian Rockies to build a 20,000 square-foot multi-sport development and competition centre for athletes with disabilities primarily focusing on Nordic and alpine skiing. A 3,000 square-foot Nordic centre is also included in the project, as well as paving and lighting of cross country ski trails and improvements to the city-owned ice rink and curling facility. Through community partnerships, the new centre will network with other sport facilities in the region for athletes with disabilities.

Funding for the project comes from the provincial government’s Major Regional Sports Facilities Initiative, administered by the Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development.

"This funding is made possible thanks to a strong provincial economy that has radically improved over the last four years," said Minister of Small Business and Economic Development John Les. "This facility will help Kimberley realize its potential to become a major national training centre and prime destination for international paralympic training."

The 2005/06 budget plan committed $50 million towards the Major Regional Sports Facilities Initiative. However, at this time, government has legal authority for six months of spending under Interim Supply. Government will seek legislative approval for the full year amounts in the fall.

Media contact:
Karen McDonald
Communications Director
Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development
250 356-9428

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