Funtastic grants available

Photo: Contributed - Vernon and District Funtastic Sport Society

Aysia Morgan of North Valley Gymnastics www.nvgym.com gets a helping hand while training on gymnastics bars that a portion of Funtastic Community Grant Proceeds went towards. This was one of 10 Community grants from Funtastic Sports Society in 2015.

The Vernon and District Funtastic Sport Society wants to make Vernon a better place to live.

Diana Williamson, society president, said once again, Funtastic is inviting qualifying groups to submit applications for grant money generated by the popular ball tournament and music festival.

The mission of the VDFSS is “Building a Better Community through Sport” and groups can apply online for some financial aid.

Since 1985, Funtastic has donated more than $1.7 million to community groups.

The Funtastic Community Investment Grant provides financial support to non-profit sport, recreation and community organizations of a sport nature serving the Greater Vernon region.

Successful applicants will benefit from the program with an emphasis on projects that will continue to support the growth of sport and recreation in the region.

In 2015, Funtastic distributed $30,000 to 10 recipients in summer and winter sports encompassing sports field development, equipment purchases, sports programs and physically challenged support program development.

Applications will be accepted until March 4.

“Our Funtastic slo-pitch tournament and music festival showcase our community’s volunteer spirit. We highlight Vernon’s exceptional weather, recreation areas, sports fields and top-notch accommodations,” said Williamson in a press release. “It is the No. 1 economic driver of the North Okanagan for the summer months and Canada’s largest slow pitch/music festival.”

The 2016 Funtastic will be held from June 30 to July 3, with the music festival running evenings of June 30 to July 2.