The Yukon Lottery Commission has awarded $334,378 to the territory's non-profit recreation projects.

At a meeting held May 14-16, the commission reviewed 52 applications totaling $823,800 in requested contributions, received for the April 15th deadline. Anne Tayler, chair of the commission, said many factors were considered in the review particularly long-term benefits to Yukoners.

'The commission attempted to provide fair and equitable distribution based on funds available, mindful that contributions would enable successful completion of a project and at the same time encouraging fund raising by the applicant,' she said in a news release. 'Volunteerism is a major contributing factor in all decisions made by the commission.

'The commission members were careful in recognizing those activities and events where large numbers of volunteers contribute to their resources, and where contributions will directly benefit large numbers of Yukon participants.'

One of the largest contributions ($75,000) was to the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club, for a portion of the cost of a new Pisten Bully machine, used to groom ski trails. Tayler said the equipment will enhance the ability of the organization to host the 2007 Canada Winter Games ski events. The equipment will also be well used to maintain ski trails utilizied by thousands of Yukoners in their day-to-day activities prior to the games and for years to follow, she said.

More than $80,000 was put towards developing a skateboard facility in Teslin and upgrading the skateboard facility in Whitehorse.

The Elder Active Society, which is hosting the 2004 Canada Senior Games in Whitehorse, September 1-5, were awarded $23,000. That will be added to the $17,800 previously committed by the commission for equipment and bags for the Yukon contingent.

'The commission recognizes the huge volunteer effort that has been and is being expended to host such an event, and the value of such an event for senior athletes and Yukoners,' said Tayler.

The rest of the approved projects, and the funding amounts, are as follows:

• Guild Society ñ, $24,000 toward 'Cabaret' production costs;

• Annie Lake Golf & Country Club Society ñ, $22,735 toward equipment costs;

• Gateway Tourism Association $15,000 toward Watson Lake air show;

• Great Northern Ski Society $10,000 toward equipment costs;

• Liard First Nation ñ, $9,810 toward sport development costs;

• Nakai Theatre $9,000 toward Comedy Arts Festival;

• Scouts Canada/Yukon Scout Council $8,000 toward equipment costs;

• Fireweed Skating Club $7,500 toward summer school costs;

• Faro Golf Club $7,165 toward equipment costs;

• VeloNorth Cycling Club $6,565 toward equipment costs;

• Girl Guides of Canada/Yukon Council $6,000 toward Armstrong Lodge upgrade;

• Learning Disabilities Association of Yukon $5,050 toward summer camp costs;

ï, Percy DeWolfe Memorial Race ñ, $4,400 toward equipment costs;

• Yukon Bluegrass Music Society $4,000 toward Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival;

• Ted Harrison Artist Retreat Society $3,300 toward equipment costs;

• Yukon Learn Society $3,000 toward PGI Golf Tournament;

• Yukon Soccer Association $3,000 toward training camp;

• Whitehorse Archery Club $2,720.43 toward 3-D target costs;

• Lorne Mountain Community Association ñ, $2,628 toward lighting and material costs;

ï, Yukon Power & Sail Squadron $2,000 toward equipment costs;

• Yukon Amateur Speedskating Association ñ, $1,800 toward equipment costs;

• Klondike Highland Dance Club ñ, $1,675 toward Medal Test costs;

ï, Yukon Horse & Rider Association $1,600 toward summer horse show;

• Miles Canyon Historical Railway Society $1,055 toward equipment costs;

• Boreal Adventure Running Association $1,000 toward race costs;

• Athletics Yukon $750 toward equipment costs;

• Whitehorse Woofers Dog Club $625 toward algility workshop costs;

• Victoria Faulkner Women's Centre $500 toward Empowerment Camp for Girls;

• Southeast Yukon Proper Land Use Society ñ, $500 toward equipment costs.