Funding to support new youth & senior recreation programs

News Release For Immediate Release May 9, 2016 Happy Valley – Goose Bay, NL – A recent $15,000 investment from the Provincial Government will support

News Release
For Immediate Release
May 9, 2016

Happy Valley – Goose Bay, NL – A recent $15,000 investment from the Provincial Government will support the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay in implementing two community recreation programs, set to begin in 2016.

The funding was provided through the Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development’s Community Healthy Living Fund, which aims to support communities in enhancing opportunities for people to live healthy, active lifestyles.

The funding will support the delivery of new youth and senior programs.

The Town is working in conjunction with Bike Labrador to establish a mountain bike park at the Mealy Mountain Collegiate Sports Complex. Part of the funding will be used to purchase mountain bikes and to offer a Sprockids Leader Training session for community members interested in becoming certified instructors.

The Sprockids Leader Training will be offered to the public at the arena in the evening of June 10th and the morning of June 11th, before the Bike Rodeo event begins at 1:00 p.m. that day.

The leader training will enable instructors to deliver the Sprockids Program to the community, in conjunction with Bike Labrador. The program teaches young people 55 skills for safely and successfully enjoying the sport of mountain biking. The Town also plans to incorporate mountain biking into its annual Summer Recreation Program.

“We are pleased to work with partners on the delivery of recreational services in our community,” said Councillor Jackie Compton Hobbs, Chair of the Community Services and Recreation Committee. “The mountain bike program will enable youth to benefit from our natural environment, learn safety skills and lead active lifestyles.”

The Town is also building on its wellness services for seniors and elders with the establishment of a seniors skating program to begin in the 2016 ice season.

Part of the funding will be used to deliver a 25 week program, with skating two days per week. The investment will also enable the Town to provide healthy snacks and other incentives during each session.

“We are hopeful that, through the new seniors skating program and community interest in the Seniors Advisory Committee, we are able to expand on our wellness supports for seniors and elders in years to come,” said Councillor Compton.

Specific details on each program will be made available to the public in the coming weeks.

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For more program information, please contact:

Dominic Demers
Director of Community Services & Recreation
Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay
o) 709-896-8542
tourpkrec@hvgb.wpengine.com

Media Contact

Naomi Sharpe
Public Relations & Special Events Manager
Town of Happy Valley – Goose Bay
o) 709-896-3254 ; c) 709-896-1609
publicrelations@hvgb.wpengine.com