The Community Development Fund (CDF) has awarded $290,000 to Softball Yukon to support the International Softball Federation (ISF) Junior Men’s World Fast Pitch Championships (the World’s). Softball Yukon is one of five Tier 3 funding recipients receiving CDF support th"s spring.
"In this intake, we have awarded over $1.1 million to worthy events and organizations throughout the territory,” Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon said. "CDF supports a wide range of events and organizations across Yukon. This support ensures these events and organizations are able to continue their incredible work."
Softball Yukon will use this CDF funding for two specific projects. A portion will offset the cost of housing and feeding the anticipated 300 participants coming to Whitehorse for the World’s. The remaining funding will be used to repair and upgrade three of Softball Yukon’s diamonds.
"This contribution will help tremendously with offsetting the cost of hosting the World’s,” George Arcand, the executive director of Softball Yukon and chair of the host committee said. "The funding will not only help us host a world-class event, but also upgrade the softball facilities, providing a lasting legacy for all Yukoners and softball players to enjoy."
The World’s will feature 12 teams from Canada, the United States, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Argentina, Venezuela, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Botswana and South Africa. The event will require between 200 and 300 volunteers and will run from June 20–29. Visit www.worldsoftball2008.com for complete event information or to register as a volunteer.
"The World’s are a perfect example of the kind of events CDF supports," Kenyon added. "Not only will it attract people to Whitehorse this June and allow for much needed upgrades to a heavily used recreation facility, it will increase Yukon’s capacity for such events and leave spectators and volunteers with a sense of pride in their community."
CDF funding is broken down into three different tiers. Tier 1 funding awards support requests of up to $20,000, Tier 2 funds projects between $20,001 and $75,000, and Tier 3 funding is available to fund projects seeking over $75,001. For more information visit www.cdf.gov.yk.ca. The next Tier 1 and 2 application deadline is May 15.
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Contact:
| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications 867-633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca | Sunny Patch Economic Development 867-456-3913 sunny.patch@gov.yk.ca | George Arcand Softball Yukon 867-667-4487 sbyukon@whtvcable.com |
Tier 3 Community Development Fund Recipients
Help and Hope For Families Society – $276,313 Second Stage Housing Project - To construct a second stage housing unit attached to an existing transition home to allow for the provision of longer term, supportive and affordable living for women and children escaping abuse.
Contact: Kelly Allen at 867-536-7233
Klondike Visitors' Association – $380,630 Structural and Related Renovations - To undertake a number of recommended structural upgrades, including related renovations to current heating and storage capabilities.
Contact: Paul McDonagh at 867-993-5575
MacBride Museum – $60,000 Research, Planning and Audience Development - To review and implement new strategies to assist MacBride Museum in meeting opportunities resulting from the changing nature of the Yukon tourist audience.
Contact: Patricia Cunning at 867-667-2709
Softball Yukon – $290,000 World Championships, Renovation and Repairs - To hold the Junior Men’s World Fast Pitch Championships and refurbish the Takhini 3, 4 and 5 ball diamonds.
Contact: George Arcand at 867-667-4487
Yukon Transportation Museum Society – $95,725 Exhibiting Yukon Transportation Artifacts - Installation of a Visible Storage Exhibit, the transfer of artifacts from outdoors to indoors, brand establishment with increased and improved interpretive signage and clean up of the museum grounds.
Contact: Casey McLaughlin at 867-668-4792
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International Softball Federation Secretary General Andrew Loechner, Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon, 2008 ISF Junior Men’s World Fast Pitch Championship Chair George Arcand, and Softball Canada President Kevin Quinn at the Pepsi Softball Centre.