Posted June 20, 2014

Government of Canada partnering with Special Olympics Canada, the RBC Foundation and the Samuel Family Foundation to expand Active Start and FUNdamentals programs

The Public Health Agency of Canada has partnered with Special Olympics Canada, the RBC Foundation and the Samuel Family Foundation to increase opportunities for children living with intellectual disabilities to participate in physical activity.

Special Olympics Canada currently runs two initiatives, called “Active Start” and “FUNdamentals,” that provide children with an intellectual disability the opportunity to improve physical, social and cognitive abilities, thereby establishing a foundation for being physically active and healthy.
With funding from the Government of Canada, the RBC Foundation and the Samuel Family Foundation, these programs will be expanded, reaching more children across Canada.

The goal of this partnership is to promote healthy living and healthy weights among children living with intellectual disability.

Quick Facts

The Public Health Agency of Canada is providing $468,416 in funding, which is being matched by private sector funding. Contributors include the RBC Foundation and the Samuel Family Foundation.

Special Olympics Canada’s Active Start and FUNdamentals programs are successfully running in many communities across the country, helping young athletes develop many important skills required in both sport and everyday life.

Quotes

“As highlighted in the recent Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada is committed to promoting healthy living and healthy weights, and preventing chronic disease for all Canadians. Together with our partners, we are proud to increase opportunities for children living with intellectual disabilities to participate in leisure, recreation and sport.”

The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health

“Through community sport programs Special Olympics Canada develops healthier athletes with life-long physical fitness habits. The new partnership with the Public Health Agency of Canada alongside the Samuel Family Foundation and the RBC Foundation enables Special Olympics Canada to reach more children with intellectual disabilities, setting a foundation for living a more active and healthy lifestyle. We are extremely grateful for the support from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the opportunity to further develop and enhance our young athlete programs across Canada.”

Sharon Bollenbach
CEO, Special Olympics Canada

“We know that when kids are healthy and active it increases their self-esteem and can lead to a lifetime of well-being. We are passionate about improving the lives of children through physical activity and we want to ensure that youth with intellectual disabilities have the same opportunity and encouragement to build their confidence through sport and recreation. Our support of Special Olympics Canada is an important part of our RBC Believe in Kids Pledge, our commitment to the whole child: mind, body and spirit.”

Shari Austin
Vice-President, Corporate Citizenship, RBC and Executive Director, RBC Foundation

Reproduced from http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=858739