April 30, 2005 “” At the Hamilton Sport Summit yesterday, Minister of Children and Youth Services Dr. Marie Bountrogianni announced a $274,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grant over three years to the Canada Games Council to support its Dreams and Champions program.

The Minister joined OTF board member Winston Tinglin in announcing the grant. “This is great news for Ontario’s children and youth and the community at large,” said Bountrogianni. “This new funding will help children and youth across the province engage in sport, healthy lifestyle and community spirit.”

Building on the success of the Games, the Canada Games Council has broadened its focus from Games only, to Games and between Games initiatives. This new focus on resources, programs, activities, tools and events for Canada’s youth between the Games, 52 weeks a year, is called Dreams and Champions.

“This grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation means that we can reach into more Ontario communities to inspire dreams and build champions among Ontario’s youth,” said Sue Hylland, President and CEO, Canada Games Council. “Leaving a lasting legacy of healthy communities and strengthened volunteerism allows the Canada Games to become part of Ontario communities for the future.”

Canada Games Dreams and Champions initiatives are meant to inspire Canada’s youth to participate in sport and physical activity by providing the programs, tools and support needed by the next generation of champions to reach and succeed at higher levels.

As part of the Canada Games Council’s Dreams and Champions initiatives, the grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will allow the Canada Games Council to implement community-based Canada Games Days throughout Ontario.

A Canada Games Day is a structured event that offers young people, 4-14 years of age, a sport and educational experience that will mirror the excitement and spirit of the Canada Games. For each event, the organizers follow an easy-to-use Canada Games Day resource kit for teachers and community leaders.

Children will team up and represent Canada’s provinces and territories, compete in unique sport activities, answer Canadian trivia questions and receive special awards. The Ontario Canada Games Days will be a rallying point for Ontario communities to engage residents, strengthen volunteer networks and raise funds for community sport councils.

For more information or to request a Canada Games Day resource kit please visit www.canadagames.ca or contact the Ontario Canada Games Day Project Manager, Paul Jurbala at paul@communityactive.ca.