Let's Play announces locations for funding to support the development of accessible play spaces in British Columbia

    VANCOUVER, April 11 /CNW/ - The Rick Hansen Foundation is pleased to
announce the allocation of funding to support the development of 20 accessible
play spaces in communities across British Columbia through the Foundation's
Let's Play project.
    The $2.5 million Let's Play initiative was launched last year with
funding provided from the Ministries of Education and Children and Family
Development. Let's Play builds on the Province's Disability Strategy, which
includes a focus on service delivery, enhancing employment opportunities, and
improving access to personal assistive devices.
    "Our government is committed to making British Columbia the most
accessible and inclusive community in North America, and this work by the Rick
Hansen Foundation will help us reach that goal," said Minister of Education
Shirley Bond. "These communities will have places where people who have
disabilities will be able to spend valuable, active time with their families -
something that is important to all of us."
    "It's important that we all work together to make our communities
accessible and inclusive for everyone. We're thrilled that accessible play
spaces are being created throughout the Province, allowing children with
disabilities to integrate and play together with their peers and enjoy their
childhood," said Rick Hansen, President and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation.
    Let's Play grants will be distributed through two funding cycles with the
second cycle to be launched in September, 2008. Response to the first funding
cycle was significant with over 175 applications submitted. Communities who
will benefit from the first granting cycle include the following locations.-   100 Mile House                     -   Keremeos
    -   Chilliwack                         -   Langley
    -   Crescent Valley                    -   Moricetown
    -   District of Saanich                -   Pemberton
    -   Duncan                             -   Prince Rupert
    -   Gibsons                            -   Richmond (2)
    -   Nanaimo                            -   Salt Spring Island
    -   Nanoose Bay                        -   Sechelt
    -   District of North Vancouver and    -   Vancouver
        Tsleil-Waututh Nation
    -   Kelowna"The first round of grants through Let's Play will help communities
create play spaces where every young child and caregiver with a physical
disability can participate and have fun," said Minister of Children and Family
Development Tom Christensen.
    Let's Play is administered by the SCI Solutions Alliance, an organization
supported by the Rick Hansen Foundation. The Alliance is a Canada-wide network
of provincial and community partners that are passionate about working in
collaboration to make a genuine difference in the lives of Canadians with SCI.
Let's Play also works closely with Schools In Motion, a part of the Rick
Hansen School Program, which is now in over 300 schools throughout British
Columbia.

    The Rick Hansen Foundation, a registered charitable organization,
provides the leadership to create more accessible and inclusive communities
for people with a spinal cord injury, and supports the search for a cure. The
Foundation achieves its goals by connecting the people and resources that make
innovation possible.

For further information: on Let's Play and the grant process, please
visit www.rickhansen.com/play or contact: Helene Rasmussen, Let's Play,
[e-mail], [phone]; For media interviews, please
contact: Erin McMillan, Rick Hansen Foundation, [e-mail],
[phone]