'Tremendous donation': Police and Fire Games donating to Manitoba organizations to help fund sports

(File image)

Following a successful Winnipeg World Police and Fire Games in 2023, the host society is setting up a legacy program that will help distribute money to fund local sports in Manitoba.

It was announced Friday the program will provide $300,000 through three main avenues.

Each of the nine venues that hosted events during the 10-day competition will be given $10,000 that can be used for maintenance, development, and upgrades.

Another $34,000 will be used to help first responders who are looking to attend future games.

Lastly, three youth sports organizations in Manitoba will get $60,000 each.

Patrol Sgt. Ward Gordon with the Winnipeg Police Service, who also served as the treasurer for the games, said the nine facilities receiving the funding are the Bison Foot Recreational Trails at FortWhyte Alive, the Dakota Community Centre, the St. Vital Curling Club, the Winnipeg Lawn Tennis Club, Archery Manitoba, Winnipeg Trap and Skeet, Maple Grove Rugby Park, and two Royal Canadian Legions – the number nine Elmwood Branch and the number 30 West Kildonan Branch.

As well, the three youth organizations are the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre (WASAC), Manitoba Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Council, and KidSport.

"We hope that these donations leave a lasting effect on youth in our community," said Gordon. "These organizations were identified because they provide young people with the opportunity to participate in sport and recreation, fostering the concepts of teamwork, discipline, and leadership."

Trevor LaForte, the executive director of WASAC, said it is honoured to be considered for such funding.

"We are grateful for the investment in our youth. These funds will help us continue to develop leadership and mentorship skills for Indigenous youth in sport, recreation and cultural programs," said LaForte.

Dustin Ehr, the coordinator for KidSport Manitoba, noted this funding couldn't come at a better time.

"We're seeing the highest numbers that we've ever seen in our program. This year alone, we're going to be funding just over 1,700 kids and the dollar amount comes in at about $620,000," said Ehr.

"This contribution is going to fund up to 120 kids in Manitoba. It's a tremendous, tremendous donation that we've received. It usually takes up to five or six donors to be able to fund one child. So to be able to fund 120 in Manitoba next year is something that we greatly, greatly appreciate."

The Winnipeg World Police and Fire Games ran from July 23 to Aug. 6, 2023, and saw over 5,000 athletes and their families descend into Winnipeg.