Minister of Community Services Glenn Hart announced Monday the approved operating grants for 33 Yukon Sport and Recreation groups, totaling $916,150 for 2007-08.

This funding is made available through the Yukon Recreation Advisory Committee (YRAC) application process.

'This funding supports the efforts of those volunteers who are vital to the delivery of sport, recreation and active living programs throughout Yukon,' Hart said.

'Funding of initiatives such as the recent 2007 Canada Winter Games Best Ever Program is an investment in the long term health and growth of Yukon people and communities, and makes Yukon a better place to live.'

Twenty-five Yukon sport governing bodies will receive $520,150, and eight Yukon special recreation groups will receive $194,000. Another $72,000 is allocated to the High Performance Athlete, Coach and Official Program, and Sport Yukon will receive $130,000.

Funding for the annual grants is made possible by a revenue sharing agreement between Yukon Lottery Commission and Government of Yukon. The grants are adjudicated by YRAC and administered by Community Services.

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

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

Additional sport and recreation funding will also be granted over the next few months through the Yukon Sport for Life funding initiative.

Launched in May of this year, Yukon Sport for Life is designed to enhance athlete and coaching development in Yukon from grassroots to elite levels, with an emphasis on including more rural, aboriginal and female participation in physical activity and competitive sports.

'Our overarching goal is to promote a better quality of life for all Yukoners through increased participation in sport and physical activity, as well as to assist our best athletes to compete at the highest level,' Hart said.

The funding was allocated as follows, with the recipients listed in alphabetical order:

Sport Governing Bodies

Alpine Skiing, $ 20,800

Athletics Yukon, $3,950

Yukon Badminton Association, $4,300

Basketball Yukon, $30,400

Biathlon Yukon, $7,100

Cross Country Yukon, $88,300

Yukon Curling Association, $14,000

Yukon Cycling Association, $7,100

Figure Skating, $6,500

Freestyle Skiing, $5,200

Yukon Golf Association, $4,000

Yukon Gymnastics Association, $27,000

Yukon Amateur Hockey

Association, $67,500

Judo Yukon, 9,200

Yukon Orienteering Association, $4,200

Yukon Shooting Federation, $3,200

Snowboard Yukon Association, $3,400

Yukon Soccer Association, $88,000

Softball Yukon, $18,500

Yukon Amateur Speed Skating Association, $12,400

Squash Yukon, $16,000

Swim Yukon, $39,000

Synchro Yukon Association, $4,500

Table Tennis, $5,200

Volleyball Yukon, $30,400

Special Recreation Groups

Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle,

$19,000

ElderActive Recreation

Association, $10,000

Girl Guides Yukon Council, $14,000

Yukon Scout Council, $9,000

Recreation & Parks Association of the Yukon, $60,000

Skookum Jim Friendship Centre, $60,000

Yukon Special Olympics, $18,000

Yukon STARS, $4,000