Last Friday, the Yukon government, in partnership with Yukon Lotteries, announced 20 Yukon athletes and one official will receive $33,000 for the second intake of this year's High Performance Athlete Assistance Program.

Last June, $69,500 was awarded to 26 athletes and three officials. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were two intakes this year.

Trevor Twardochleb, of the sport and recreation branch, said the decision to hold two intakes was because the pandemic caused uncertainty for the athletes.

"The pandemic hit athletes differently," said Twardochleb. "There was uncertainty about training plans and many reached out after.

"We decided to run a second intake for qualified athletes to see the scope of what's happening. I believe we've done a job of supporting them."

Twardochleb said the application process is every spring. Because of the pandemic, Twardochleb said, many athletes were unable to provide national or year-end results because those events were cancelled.

In the High Performance Athlete Assistance Program application form, eligible athletes must show "improvement in their sport from year to year which is demonstrated by their performance and results."

The jury, who reviews the applications, relies almost entirely on the information provided in the application.

The money is allocated based on past performance.

"Some athletes are winning medals nationally or internationally or winning competitions," said Twardochleb. "Some are just breaking out of the territory. The committee goes through all the results."

Twardochleb said the recipients can use the money for training costs or training camps. He acknowledged as athletes move forward in their athletic pursuits, it becomes more expensive.

"The funding is to support these amazing athletes with their skill development," said Twardochelb. "The money is a stepping stone. You can only get so much sponsorship or funds from the Bank of Mom and Dad; it's nice to help.

"As you get better at your sport, you are more embedded in training camps and are subject to escalating fees. It is expensive. Every dollar counts."

The program also supports officials, which Twardochelb said is just as important so the Yukon can continue to hold national events.

"We need qualified officials and they need to train and keep their standards up," said Twardochleb. "We have really talented local people."

Community Services Minister John Streicker said in a release that he looks forward to the day the territory's athletes can once again travel Outside and compete.

"Though COVID-19 has temporarily interrupted major sport competitions, we look forward to the day when Yukoners can again compete at these events," said Streicker. "This funding will support our territory’s amazing athletes during this time, allowing them to continue their training and skill development and ensuring they are ready for competition when these events return."

The High Performance Athlete Assistance Program offers support to individual Yukon athletes and officials who have demonstrated they are at a high or elite performance level.

"It will be great to see these kids move up the ranks in their respective sports," said Twardochelb. "We are hoping to continue to support them."

Given the evolving situation of COVID-19, the government is approaching this year’s sport and recreation funding with flexibility and will continue to do so.