The federal government is investing $234,000 to support sports and recreation opportunities across the territory.

The announcement was made Friday morning in Whitehorse.

Volleyball Yukon is receiving $192,000 toward a one-year project to build three competition-grade beach volleyball courts near F.H. Collins Secondary School, with an additional $23,800 from the Yukon government.

The courts are available for use by the general public.

CanNor funding will help improve public infrastructure and will enable the organization to host future volleyball competitions, attracting visitors to the city and strengthening the growing competitive sport community, the federal government said in a statement.

Funding toward this project is being delivered through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF).

Sport Yukon is receiving $42,000 toward a one-year project to redevelop next month’s Klondike Road Relay, with an additional investment of $14,400 from the territorial government.

CanNor funding will support the organization in creating a digital registration platform and an outdoor gathering space.

The event is widely recognized for its role in maintaining a sense of unity among participants, partners and communities both along the route and beyond.

Funding for the project is delivered through Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth).

“Shared public spaces in villages, towns and cities are at the heart of communities across Canada. Main streets, downtown cores, community and cultural centres, farmers’ markets, libraries, outdoor spaces and other public places draw in residents and visitors alike, supporting local businesses and jobs,” the federal government said in a statement.

“The Government of Canada recognizes that communities thrive when they have infrastructure to promote social interaction and physical activity, and provide access to recreational programs and facilities.” said Dan Vandal, the federal minister of Northern Affairs, Minister for PrairiesCan and Minister for CanNor. He was in Whitehorse for the announcement as part of his summer pan-northern tour, Vandal said.

“These are what make our communities stronger, more connected, and are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities.”

The last two years. Vandal added, “were not only challenging for the economy, but our health, well-being, and our sense of community and social interaction.

“Today, we look ahead and continue to build back stronger by ensuring local recreation facilities are welcoming places that encourage people to gather and connect with one another once again.

“That is why our government is investing in initiatives such as these which enable residents and visitors across the Yukon to participate in local sport,” Vandal said.

“These activities, and the public infrastructure and opportunities that facilitate them, help strengthen the individuals, communities and local economies that make the Yukon so special.”

Yukon MP Brendan Hanley said many people “live in the Yukon to enjoy an active lifestyle, both indoors and outdoors.

“The investment of three additional and public use volleyball courts, as well as funding towards redeveloping the Klondike Road Relay, an annual pillar of summer activities for both Yukoners and visitors, are vital in boosting sport and recreation accessibility and support Yukoners’ sense of community.

“Our government is attuned to our territory’s infrastructure needs that not only benefit the health of Yukoners, but also the health of the community at large,” said Hanley.

By investing in recreational infrastructure, said Ranj Pillai, the territorial minister of Economic Development, “we are building stronger Yukon communities and helping Yukoners stay active and healthy. The new volleyball courts will be used by Yukoners for years to come and will help the city host competitions and grow the sport community.

“I am also happy see support for the Klondike Road Relay, which is the most popular running race in the Yukon, and this year it will be celebrating its 40th anniversary.

“The Yukon government will continue to support strategic planning that ensures our communities continue to grow while keeping Yukoners active and healthy.”

Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn also praised 
the initiative.

“Modern, safe and exciting recreational facilities are a key way that our government can support active living and competitive sport opportunities for Yukoners,” he said.

“These regulation-sized beach volleyball courts will allow our athletes to train and prepare to compete at the (2025) Canada Summer Games and will provide a place for Yukon students and community members to enjoy the game.

“The Klondike Road Relay is a race that Yukoners and visitors train hard for and is an event enjoyed by many.

“I look forward to seeing this funding improve this year’s race and ensure everyone remains safe while enjoying the course,” Mostyn said.

“I am so excited to see these courts happen, as they will be a great legacy to our community and to beach volleyball,” added Shannon Poelman, Beach Development, Volleyball Yukon.

“This will support Volleyball Yukon’s vision and growth of beach volleyball programming, both recreational and competitive opportunities that the courts will provide.

“In collaboration with our sport and educational stakeholders, we are so excited to build this facility and offer opportunities in this fun and fast-growing sport!

“Let the sand-slinging begin!”

Eligible recipients for help from the fund include not-for-profit organizations; rural, municipal or regional governments; Indigenous groups and communities; and public sector bodies that provide municipal-type infrastructure.

“The Klondike Road Relay has been an iconic Yukon event for 40 years,” said Tracey Bilsky, the executive director of Sport Yukon.

“Thanks to CanNor’s contributions, Klondike Road Relay organizers can ensure the race can prosper for another 40 years by making it more accessible to everyone, establishing more sustainable practices, and promoting the safety of the runners.”