CDF Pitches In To Support the 2008 World Fast Pitch Championships

Yukon Government - News Release #08-088

April 14, 2008

WHITEHORSE – The Community Development Fund (CDF) has awarded $290,000 to Softball Yukon to support the International Softball Federation (ISF) Junior Men’s World Fast Pitch Championships (the World’s).  Softball Yukon is one of five Tier 3 funding recipients receiving CDF support this spring.

“In this intake, we have awarded over $1.1 million to worthy events and organizations throughout the territory,” Economic Development  Minister Jim Kenyon said. “CDF supports a wide range of events and organizations across Yukon.  This support ensures these events and organizations are able to continue their incredible work.”

Softball Yukon will use this CDF funding for two specific projects.  A portion will offset the cost of housing and feeding the anticipated 300 participants coming to Whitehorse for the World’s.  The remaining funding will be used to repair and upgrade three of Softball Yukon’s diamonds.

“This contribution will help tremendously with offsetting the cost of hosting the World’s,” George Arcand, the executive director of Softball Yukon and chair of the host committee said.  “The funding will not only help us host a world-class event, but also upgrade the softball facilities, providing a lasting legacy for all Yukoners and softball players to enjoy.”

The World’s will feature 12 teams from Canada, the United States, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Argentina, Venezuela, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Botswana and South Africa.  The event will require between 200 and 300 volunteers and will run from June 20 - 29.  Visit www.worldsoftball2008.com for complete event information or to register as a volunteer.

“The World’s are a perfect example of the kind of events CDF supports,” Kenyon added. “Not only will it attract people to Whitehorse this June and allow for much needed upgrades to a heavily used recreation facility, it will increase Yukon’s capacity for such events and leave spectators and volunteers with a sense of pride in their community.

CDF funding is broken down into three different tiers.  Tier 1 funding awards support requests of up to $20,000, Tier 2 funds projects between $20,001 and $75,000, and Tier 3 funding is available to fund projects seeking over $75,001.  For more information visit www.cdf.gov.yk.ca.  The next Tier 1 and 2 application deadline is May 15.
 
Contact:
Roxanne Vallevand
Cabinet Communications
(867) 633-7949
roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca

Sunny Patch
Economic Development
(867) 456-3913
sunny.patch@gov.yk.ca

George Arcand
Softball Yukon
(867) 667-4487
sbyukon@whtvcable.com