ARPA receives $25,000 to enhance quality recreation in Aboriginal communities

The Recreation for Life Foundation (RFLF), established to raise funds to support Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) programs and services, received $25,000 in funding from the RBC Learn to Play Project at a cheque presentation in Edmonton on December 12, 2014. The funding will help create a new Aboriginal Component for ARPA’s HIGH FIVE® Program, empowering Aboriginal leaders across Alberta to enhance the quality of sport and recreation programs in their communities. These leaders will be engaged in rethinking aspects of the program to best meet the needs of Aboriginal children.

High Five is Canada’s only comprehensive quality standard for children’s sport and recreation programs. It was developed with the understanding that the quality of children’s experiences in recreation and sport settings help to shape how they will develop as adults. High Five ensure leaders, coaches and instructors have the tools and knowledge to nurture a child’s mental health and create those positive experiences for children.

Greg Krischke, Chair of RFLF, accepted the cheque on behalf of the Foundation. “We thank RBC for supporting this exciting expansion of the HIGH FIVE Program. Our organization believes that quality recreation should be available to all Albertans and hope that this new Aboriginal component will help to achieve that.”

RBC and Canadian Sports for Life have partnered to deliver the Learn to Play Project, a funding initiative that supports organizations working to deliver quality sport and recreation programming to children, ensuring they learn the fundamental movement skills they need to have the confidence and competence to be physically active.

The Alberta Recreation and Parks Association is a not-for-profit organization committed to building healthier and happier communities and citizens through the development and promotion of recreation and parks. ARPA delivers various programs and services that enhance the quality of life of Albertans, including Communities ChooseWell, Communities in Bloom, HIGH FIVE®, Everybody get to play, ParticipACTION Teen Challenge, Excellence Series, and the Canadian Parks and Recreation Certification Program.

The Recreation for Life Foundation is a provincial not-for-profit charitable agency that raises funds to support the programs and initiatives of the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association.

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Media inquiries may be directed to:

Alex Nowicki
Communications Coordinator
Alberta Recreation and Parks Association
Phone: 780-644-6976
Email: anowicki@arpaonline.ca

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