Amateur sports cutback

With a child in amateur sports this letter comes as a stab in the back with the upcoming Vancouver winter Olympics.

We are supporting sport short term, as we forget the long term!!

Details of location and sport have been removed form this post, but it is provincial and crosses many provincial amateur sports.

As you know. the amateur sport sector in BC has received significant funding cutbacks – particularly those funds derived from Gaming revenues (there was a $10 million reduction to sport in Gaming revenues alone), but also long-standing revenue sources such as the Canada Games Grant. There was no warning that change on this scale was being considered. Unfortunately these cutbacks have impacted both provincial and community sport organizations

This is how these changes will affect your program area:
a.. The Athlete Development Coordinator position has been discontinued, and essential tasks have been divided up among a number of people.
b.. The Provincial Camp  in November will be held as usual, but the camp fee has increased and we may or may not be able to provide the same level of support in some areas – for example, transportation.  Some responsibilities may fall back on parents.
c.. Athletes selected to the BC Team for the National Championships will receive the same trip coordination, coaching and  support as usual, but this year they will be responsible for the majority of the costs associated with their flight, accommodations, ground transportation, meals and entry fees. To put this in perspective, BC would normally provide $25,000-$30,000 to subsidize these expenses.

On a more positive note we are expecting next year’s provincial team program to be similar to what was offered in the past, although you should expect the cost to the club/athlete to be more than it was before.

We will make every effort to keep our athlete development programs on track through this difficult period.

What are you thoughts?

I know we have been asked a lot of times but have you added your point of view about your feelings on the Olympic games.
Please we would love to hear what comment you have.