GNWT Provides Funding for Regional Youth Sports Events for 2026–2027

Press Release

June 9, 2026

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is investing $400,275 through the Regional Youth Sporting Events (RYSE) Program for 2026–2027 to support youth sport and recreation opportunities across the Northwest Territories.

This year’s funding will support 34 projects delivered by 29 organizations across all NWT regions, helping youth participate in sport competitions, training camps, and skills development activities in communities across the territory. These initiatives provide meaningful opportunities for young people to stay active, build skills, and connect with peers from other communities.

The 34 approved projects are distributed across the NWT as follows:

• North Slave: 4 projects
• South Slave: 7 projects
• Dehcho: 7 projects
• Sahtu: 7 projects
• Beaufort Delta: 9 projects

Demand for the program continues to exceed available funding, and not all applications could be supported through this intake. For the 2026–2027 intake, GNWT received applications requesting more than $821,000 in total, reflecting strong interest in youth sport programming across the territory.

Applications were evaluated against established RYSE program criteria, including their potential to increase participation in physical activity, promote healthy lifestyles, and improve access to sport and recreation, particularly in rural and remote communities.

Quote

“Supporting youth participation in sport and recreation is essential to building healthy, vibrant communities across the Northwest Territories. We recognize that not all applications could be supported this year. Funding decisions are made through a criteria-based process to ensure fairness and consistency while supporting projects that best align with program priorities. Through the Regional Youth Sporting Events Program, we remain committed to helping ensure that young people, especially in smaller and remote communities, have access to meaningful opportunities to stay active, build skills, and connect with others.”

– Vince McKay, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

Quick facts

• The RYSE Program provides annual funding to support youth sport and recreation opportunities across the Northwest Territories.
• $400,275 in project funding was approved through the RYSE Program for 2026–2027.
• This funding supports 34 projects delivered by 29 organizations across all regions of the NWT.
• Applications are evaluated based on criteria focused on participation, access, and community impact.
• Regional and territorial sport and recreation organizations, community governments and/or school authorities can apply for funding up to $25,000.
• Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, with May 15 as the deadline for annual funding consideration.

Related links

• Regional Youth Sports Events | Municipal and Community Affairs
• Regional_youth_sport_events_contributions_policy.pdf

For media requests, please contact:
Peter Tah
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
Peter_tah@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9162, Ext. 21012

ILR5