A proposed change to the funding process has four local sporting groups feeling thankful today.

On Monday afternoon, the Yukon government announced it will provide $300,000 in core funding to Sport Yukon, Special Olympics Yukon, the Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle and the Recreation and Parks Association of Yukon, subject to legislative approval.

Additionally, a permanent change to the way funding is delivered will have long-term benefits for other sport and recreation groups, the Yukon Party says.

Under the new ongoing funding arrangement, Sport Yukon will receive $130,000; Special Olympics Yukon $50,000; the Recreation and Parks Association of Yukon $70,000; and the Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle $50,000.

“The Government of Yukon is proud to contribute to a better quality of life for Yukoners through our investments in sport, recreation and active-living initiatives,” Minister of Community Services Currie Dixon said in Monday’s press release.

“We are pleased to provide funding stability for these four sport and recreation groups and we look forward to working together to keep Yukoners healthy and active.”

Previously, the four groups received funding through the Yukon Recreation Advisory Committee’s (YRAC) annual grants.

Now, the government will fund the groups directly through Community Services’ Sport and Recreation branch.

The change means that $300,000 in YRAC funding will be available for other sport organizations and special recreation groups in the territory.

“This funding enables Sport Yukon to plan for and execute services and programs on a long-term basis, gives us security and allows us to focus on the priorities of our members,” said Sport Yukon executive director Tracey Bilsky.

“We would like to thank the Yukon government for recognizing the difference this will make to our organization. The territory’s sport organizations do exceptional work and this new influx of YRAC funding will take some pressure off them and allow them to fulfill some of the initiatives they may have had on the backburner.”

Added Special Olympics Yukon president Tom Gibbs: “Special Olympics Yukon is proud to be recognized by our government for enriching the lives of Yukoners with an intellectual disability through sport.

“This funding will enable us to create a solid foundation for the development of existing programs as well as the opportunity to offer new and exciting initiatives in the future.”

Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle president Gord Reed and Recreation and Parks Association of Yukon executive director Anne Morgan also said the funding will provide stability to their respective organizations.

On Twitter, Premier Darrell Pasloski said sport and recreation are a priority for the Yukon Party.