Sport North says new funding structure will disadvantage small communities

Officials with Sport North Federation are forecasting a dire future for sports in smaller communities, if the territorial government moves ahead with its new funding model.

Funding for sport and recreation in the territory comes from lottery proceeds distributed through the Sport and Recreation Council, a subsidiary arm of MACA, to Sport North. Sport North had distributed those funds to 32 sport organizations throughout the territory.

But that is changing, with MACA funding sport directly, cutting Sport North out of the picture. 

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Under the new regime, sport organizations will be expected to apply to directly to MACA for funding.  

Fewer people, fewer sports: Sport North President

"Our concern and fear is that in a community where there isn't someone with a basketball enthusiast, maybe there isn't going to be basketball," said President Maureen Miller.

Miller addressed the N.W.T's standing committee on government operations Wednesday, saying Sport North had developed a fair funding formula that worked.

"Sport right now happens throughout the entire territory because we have an incentive program." Miller said. "What we ask [sports organizations] to do is go out and get as many kids and adults involved in your sport as possible."

"We're the experts when it comes to sports, let us do what we do best," she said.

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Sports will continue, says MLA

Shane Thompson, N.W.T MLA for Nahendeh said he appreciates Sport North's concerns, but he believes sports will still continue within the communities.

"Being a coach myself, I've had teams with players from all over the territory. From small communities and big centres," Thompson said.

Thompson said he hopes the Sport North Federation, alongside the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs can meet together to come to a resolution.

The changes also mean Sport North will receive a million dollars less in administrative and program funding next fiscal year.