Community Services Minister Glenn Hart announced last week that $913,200 in grants will be awarded to Yukon sport and recreation groups for 2008/09.

"Funding sport and recreation organizations is vital to their ability to support the efforts of the thousands of volunteers engaged in the delivery of sport, recreation and active living programs throughout Yukon," Hart said in a press release.

"The efforts of these volunteers and the resources they are able to access are the key ingredients that provide opportunities for all Yukoners to enjoy physically active lifestyles."

Twenty-five Yukon sport governing bodies will receive $515,200, and seven Yukon special recreation groups will receive $190,000.

Another $78,000 is allocated to the High Performance Athlete and Officials Program and Sport Yukon will receive $130,000.

"All groups receiving funding provide programs and services that enhance the quality of life for Yukoners," said Yukon Recreation Advisory Committee chair Geoff Scherer in the statement.

"We are pleased to make these resources available to support the excellent work being done by these and other dedicated volunteers in the sport and recreation system in the Yukon."

Hart said: "We continue to see evidence of the benefits of investing in sport and recreation and the impact it has on the long-term health and growth of Yukon people and communities, and how it helps make Yukon a better place to live."

The Yukon Recreation Advisory Committee (YRAC) funding represents the first phase of funding available for 2008/09. Additional funding will be granted over the next few weeks through the Yukon Sport For Life funding initiative.

Funding for the annual grants is made possible by a revenue sharing agreement between Yukon Lottery Commission and Government of Yukon.

The Yukon sport governing bodies awarded with funding included $88,500 for both Yukon Soccer Association and Cross Country Yukon.

The next highest sport governing body was the Yukon Amateur Hockey Association, which was given $67,500, while Swim Yukon was given $39,500.

Basketball Yukon and Volleyball Yukon were both awarded with $30,000.

The Yukon Gymnastics Association was given $26,500 and Alpine Skiing collected $20,000.

Squash Yukon was awarded with $15,350, the Yukon Curling Association was given $13,500 and the Yukon Speed Skating Association took in $12,500.

The grants for Yukon special recreation groups included $60,000, which was given to both the Recreation & Parks Association of the Yukon and Skookum Jim Friendship Centre.

The Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle was given $19,000 and Yukon Special Olympics was awarded with $18,000.