Today, October 15,  is the first day for applications to the Community Rink Affordability Grant (CRAG). The Government of Saskatchewan will be accepting community based applications to support indoor skating and curling rinks. 

Reinstated in 2020-21, the grant was distributed to 372 organizations to help support operations and minor capital upgrades to more than 580 ice surfaces.

"Across Saskatchewan, ice rinks serve as community hubs for gathering and physical activity," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. "With all the challenges that COVID-19 has created, the Community Rink Affordability Grant helps with costs associated with running locally-owned rinks. Whether it's skating, curling, or playing hockey, rinks are important to the health and wellbeing of community residents and contributes to our quality of life."

The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) administers and delivers the program on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan.

"SPRA expresses its gratitude to the Government of Saskatchewan for acknowledging recreation's importance in Saskatchewan's communities by renewing the CRAG Program for another year," Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association President TJ Biemans said. "The program continues to be critical for offsetting the considerable costs of operating skating and curling rinks, which are important recreation spaces that build communities and enhance quality of life across the province."

Agencies including schools, First Nations, non-profit recreation outlets, and communities operating facilities are encouraged to register for the program, states the Government release. 

More information is available at saskatchewan.ca.