Community groups have been caught off guard by a government decision to withhold their gaming funds until August at the earliest.
As one can Imagine this has had a tremendous negative impact on most groups.
Today, Michael rose in the House to draw attention to just one of those groups, The North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association.
Below you will find the draft transcript of the statement and as always the official version will be posted when available.
2010 Legislative Session: Second Session, 39th Parliament
HOUSE BLUES
This is a DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY of debate in one sitting of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. This transcript is subject to corrections, and will be replaced by the final, official Hansard report. Use of this transcript, other than in the legislative precinct, is not protected by parliamentary privilege, and public attribution of any of the debate as transcribed here could entail legal liability.
DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
(HANSARD)
HOUSE BLUES
TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2010
Afternoon Sitting
Statements
(Standing Order 25B)
NORTH FRASER
THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION
M. Sather: Today I rise in the House to make special mention of a group whose programs have been of great service to my constituents and to many individuals across the Lower Mainland. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
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The North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association offers a selection of therapeutic riding courses across the Lower Mainland. The North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association offers a selection of therapeutic riding courses in the Lower Mainland for individuals with mental and physical disabilities.
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The organization has operated in Maple Ridge for 30 years, and throughout that time the services they provide have benefited many, allowing them to develop balance, coordination and strength while assisting their social integration and helping their confidence and self-esteem.
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The program’s ability to help participants reach their full potential is demonstrated by the example of Jennifer McKenzie, an equestrian Paralympian who figured prominently in the Paralympic ceremony in Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows.
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Many others have been helped by the therapeutic riding association. For example, Jack Hagum, a child who is visually impaired and has been diagnosed with high-functioning autism. According to his father, Dean, Jack has benefited from greater balance, gross and fine motor skills, increased strength and overall improved enjoyment of life. His schoolmates and everyone who learns he rides a horse find it fascinating and impressive that he’s doing something that many people only dream of.
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From developing Paralympians to helping others feel great about themselves by overcoming their challenges, the North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association has demonstrated a tremendous capacity to improve the lives of participants.
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Despite the great work that the riding association has done, their future is in doubt. Recent changes to gaming funding have resulted in the loss of $40,000 to the association, which puts their programs at risk.
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I remain hopeful that the North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association will survive the challenges they face because the services they provide are a lifeline to their clients, and it would be a shame to see them lost.
[DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
