Richmond sports and arts groups have received their annual gaming grants to support their activities – with a total of more than $1.5 million allocated to several dozen groups.
Arts grants total about $370,000 while sports groups received about $1.2 million in grants.
Community gaming grants, distributed annually by the provincial government, come from revenue from lotteries, sports betting and casinos.
Some of the larger arts and cultural grants include Gateway Theatre at $85,000 and Richmond Art Gallery Association and Richmond Music School Society at $50,000 each.
In the meantime, the Richmond Jets received a grant of $175,000, Tennis BC received $119,000 and Connaught Skating Club received $90,000.
The City of Richmond also receives funding from gambling, namely from River Rock Casino. This is estimated to be about $14.5 million annually, 10 per cent of its net revenues.
However, city staff noted in this week’s finance committee meeting that revenues from the casino seem to be flat.
The province announced the community grants this week at the Richmond Olympic Oval, with a wheelchair basketball demonstration.
BC Wheelchair Sports Association received a grant of $182,500 while BC Wheelchair Basketball Society received a grant of $104,765. Both are based in Vancouver.
“The Community Gaming Grants program enables the (BC Wheelchair Sports Association) to provide a range of essential programs including removing barriers to participation for individuals with disabilities through our Bridging the Gap and wheelchair loan programs, sport camp opportunities for children and youth with disabilities, clinics and competitive opportunities for athletes to develop their skills, and so much more,” said Gail Hamamoto, executive director of the association.
“The BCWSA would not be able to affect lives through sport if not for the contribution of these grants, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.”
