WDA programs support athletic clubs for youth

[CAWED]

_WDA PROGRAMS SUPPORTS ATHLETIC CLUBS FOR YOUTH_

_WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- The Winnipeg Development Agreement (WDA) is
funding a program to give young people positive recreation options in
a safe environment. The new _[3]Winnipeg Police Athletic Association
program_ is a city-wide athletic program designed to reduce crime by
offering city youth healthy recreation activities in a safe
environment at their neighbourhood schools._

The $300,000 two-year program was announced today by _Manitoba Justice
Minister Vic Toews_, on behalf of _Manitoba Urban Affairs Minister
Jack Reimer_, provincial minister responsible for the WDA; _John
Harvard, MP for Charleswood St. James-Assiniboia_, on behalf of
_Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy_, federal minister
responsible for the WDA; and _Winnipeg Mayor Glen Murray_.

"These clubs give police and young Winnipeggers a chance to connect
and have fun, which in turn reduces the odds of them becoming involved
in crime," said _Toews_. "The program is part of the province's urban
safety initiative and builds a more positive relationship between
young people, our local police service and the community."

"This project fits naturally with the Winnipeg Development
Agreement’s goal to support programs that provide a healthy
alternative to street life for our young people," said _Mr. Harvard_.
"We are pleased that Human Resources Development Canada is also
contributing $150,000 to this worthwhile initiative through the
Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy."

The athletic initiative draws on community resources and volunteers. A
total of 14 clubs will be set up in high school gyms across the city
by the _Winnipeg Police Service_ and will be staffed by volunteers
from neighbourhood police units, recreation coordinators, parents and
community members. Schedules will be flexible to accommodate the needs
of each individual neighbourhood.

Club activities are geared to attract youth who want alternative
sports options, such as: rock climbing, skateboarding and ultimate
frisbee, along with mainstream sports like volleyball, floor hockey
and basketball. The clubs' main target is male and female junior high
aged youth, and the programs strongly encourage the participation of
young females, as well as males.

Thirteen of the 14 club sites have already been named:

* _Westdale Jr. High School_, 6720 Betsworth Avenue
* _Hedges Middle School_, 369 Fairlane Avenue
* _Stevenson Britannia Middle School_, 177 Silver Avenue
* _Charleswood Jr. High School_, 505 Oakdale Street
* _George McDowell School_, 366 Paddington Road
* _St. George's School_, 151 St. George Road
* _École Regent Park_, 411 Moroz Street
* _Arthur Day Jr. High School_, 43 Whitehall Boulevard
* _Maples High School/Ken Seaford Jr. High School_, 1330 Jefferson
Avenue
* _Chancellor Elementary School_, 1520 Chancellor Drive
* _Grant Park High School_, 450 Nathaniel Street
* _Sisler High School/Northwood Community Centre_, 1360 Redwood
Avenue
* _Lord Roberts Community Centre_, 725 Kylemore Avenue

The _Winnipeg Development Agreement_ is a five year, $75-million
commitment by the governments of _Canada, Manitoba _and_ Winnipeg_ to
the long-term sustainable economic development of the city. The
city-wide initiative focuses on labour force development, strategic
and sectoral investments, and the development and safety of Winnipeg
communities.

This project is part of the $22 million _Community Development and
Security component of the WDA_. Programs under this component promote
a safe, productive community as the foundation for Winnipeg's
continued economic development.