September 23, 2010 - Your team could be the next to be awarded a provincial Play, Live, Be Tobacco-Free $500 grant to help in adopting, implementing, and supporting a tobacco-free policy. In recognition of the vital role sport and recreation organizations play in the health and well-being of communities, more than 100 grants in total are being offered to non-profit sport and recreation groups across Ontario.

Tobacco free policies in sport are one of the newest trends that are helping to prevent tobacco use among athletes, coaches and fans. Sport leagues, recognizing the impact sports have on influencing a youth's lifestyle and health are setting clear policies to stop tobacco use during practices and during the game: both on the sidelines and in the stands, among fans.

In 2010, 6 new teams in Thunder Bay adopted the policy, making the total of 15 local teams tobacco free. Some of the tobacco free teams include: Thunder Bay Diving Club, Thunder Bolts Swim Club, Thunder Bay Women’s Hockey Association, Queen’s Rep, and the Fort William Figure Skating Club.

“Tobacco-Free Sports and recreation protects not only our local athletes, but our community as well through positive and healthy role modeling.” says Amber White, Public Health Nurse in Tobacco Programs.

The grant process is available to all non-profit sport and recreation clubs, teams, leagues and organizations in Thunder Bay and a new grant application round is now open.  Applications will be accepted until noon on September 30.  Go to www.playlivebetobaccofree.ca and complete the online application outlining your plans to develop and promote a tobacco-free policy or demonstrating your existing tobacco-free policy, and you could qualify for $500!  

Parents, coaches and organizations looking for information on tobacco-free sport and recreation, or supports to help tobacco users quit can call the Thunder Bay District Health Unit at 807-625-5982.

-END-