GAMES REWARD GREEN IDEAS

VANCOUVER – Students across the province are being challenged to become environmental stewards by developing school or community-based projects that help protect the environment, Education Minister Shirley Bond announced today, during the launch of the Green Games at Science World.

“I’ve met with students all across the province and one of the first things they talk to me about is the environment. By investing in programs like the Green Games, we are helping to promote and celebrate the ideas students have on environmental responsibility and sustainability,” said Bond. “It is programs like this that will help government reach its goal of leading the world in sustainable environmental management and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent by 2020.”

Government is investing close to $160,000 in the Green Games to encourage students to start projects that make positive changes in their school or community relating to sustainable development, greenhouse gas reduction, or environmental stewardship.

Up to $50,000 in prize money is available for winning school entries, and the challenge is open to students in kindergarten through Grade 12. Twenty-four $2,000 prizes will be awarded and two “Viewer’s Choice” awards of $1,000 will be given out. The prize money will be given directly to winning schools to sustain and support environmental action projects. In addition, Solar BC will be awarding solar power systems to three of the twenty-six prize-winning schools via a random draw.

Projects submitted will be judged using the following criteria:

· Environmental responsibility

· Creativity and innovation

· Communication aspects of digital submission.

Environmental stewardship projects may take place at either the school or in the community. Examples of school projects include an energy reduction project, a recycling project and school yard greening project. Examples of community projects include things like organizing energy audits in the community, park restoration projects and stream enhancement projects.

“By living smarter, we can save energy, water, time and money, and cut our fuel consumption,” said Environment Minister Barry Penner. “Students are leading the way in environmental responsibility, and initiatives like this help them carry these messages to parents and to the broader community.”

The BC Green Games is a partnership between Science World British Columbia and the Ministry of Education. It was developed in collaboration with the North Vancouver and Richmond school districts and the Environmental Educator’s Provincial Specialist Association.

“We are extremely excited about the Province’s support of the Green Games,” said Bryan Tisdall, president and CEO of Science World. “Our future environment, health and economy depend on us inspiring young minds to become tomorrow’s leaders.”

Projects may be done by a single class, by a school club or by a whole school. The registration period is September through November and winning entries will be announced in spring 2009. Schools may submit projects started in the 2008/09 school year or projects that began in the previous two years. For more information, visit www.bcgreengames.ca.

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Media contact:	Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Education 250 356-5963

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