The provincial government has announced five new funding streams as part of its Year of Sport initiative.

Recreation Minister Steve Crocker announced the details yesterday, with the swimming facilities at the Paul Reynolds Community Centre in St. John’s serving as the backdrop.

The programs support things like infrastructure, expanding sports and recreation programs, free swims and skates, and one-time funding increases.

Crocker believes the programs will go “very far” for sports and recreation organizations, and he encourages them to check out the offerings. He believes what’s being offered will cover off the entire province.

Steve Martin, the Executive director of Recreation NL, says there is already a buzz around the year of sport.

He says there are already people showing up at arenas asking about the free skates, so his members have been eager to hear more information about the funding streams.