PROVINCE PROVIDES $2.5M TO HELP EVERY CHILD PLAY

RICHMOND – The Province is investing $2.5 million in Let’s Play, a program in partnership with the Rick Hansen Foundation that will help create accessible or barrier-free play spaces throughout B.C., Education Minister Shirley Bond and Children and Family Development Minister Tom Christensen announced today.

“Our government has a vision — to make British Columbia the most accessible and inclusive community in North America, where people with disabilities participate fully as they are able,” said Bond. “Through partnerships like this one with the Rick Hansen Foundation, families facing physical impairment challenges will have increased opportunities to enjoy healthy, active times together.”

“Play helps children develop physically, socially and emotionally, and it’s the importance of play that is the motivation behind Let’s Play,” said Christensen. “These grants will make sure there are accessible play spaces throughout B.C. for young children and caregivers with physical disabilities.”

Accessible or barrier-free play spaces give young children and their caregivers with physical disabilities the same opportunities for physical activity and social interaction as their peers. Integrating equipment manufactured for use by children with disabilities with traditional play equipment can help make a play space inclusive.

“I’m thrilled that we are moving towards creating play spaces in British Columbia so that children of all abilities can play together in their community,” said Rick Hansen, president and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation. “I think it’s important to support barrier-free play spaces and we’re grateful to the Province of British Columbia for working with us to foster communities that are accessible and inclusive for everyone.”

Let’s Play grants, made possible by a $2.5-million investment from the provincial government, are available to schools, municipalities, and other qualified community organizations interested in developing new spaces, renovating existing spaces, and/or purchasing equipment to create accessible or barrier-free public play spaces for young children and caregivers with mobility-related disabilities. The first application deadline is Jan. 15, 2008. For more information, visit www.rickhansen.com/play.

The program links with the Rick Hansen Foundation’s youth and community engagement programs, including Schools In Motion, a part of the Rick Hansen School Program, which is now in over 300 schools throughout British Columbia. The Rick Hansen Foundation, a registered charitable organization, works to create more accessible and inclusive communities for people with a spinal cord injury, and supports the search for a cure. The Foundation achieves its goals by connecting the people and resources that make innovation possible.

Let’s Play builds on the Province’s Disability Strategy, which includes a focus on service delivery, enhancing employment opportunities, and improving access to personal assistive devices. It also supports the Province’s five great goals, including leading North America in physical fitness and building the best system of support in Canada for persons with disabilities. Currently, the Province investments more than $4.3 billion each year on programs and services for people with disabilities, ensuring that all British Columbians can enjoy their province.

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1 backgrounder(s) attached.
Media contact:	Lara Perzoff Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Education 250 356-5963 250 920-9040 (cell)	Seumas Gordon Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Children and Family Development 250 356-2939

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