Victoria - The Province and British Columbia's Leading Edge Endowment Fund have reached approval-in-principle for a permanent B.C. Regional Innovation Sport and Health Chair at Camosun College.

"We can be justifiably proud of how the government, through the Leading Edge Endowment Fund, is supporting regional research," said Minister of Advanced Education Ida Chong.

B.C. Regional Innovation Chairs are designed to support applied research, development and innovation that will bolster regional economic and social development in all areas of the province, create closer and more effective links between institutions and their regional economies, foster the development of highly qualified people in areas relevant to regional social and economic development and foster collaboration between post-secondary institutions.

"The announcement of this chair demonstrates the government's commitment to developing locally-based applied research that builds on our regional strengths," said Martha Salcudean, chair of the Leading Edge Endowment Fund. "We are building on the unique strengths of our regional post-secondary institutions and their special role in their communities."

"Vancouver's hosting of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2010 will offer many opportunities to increase the profile of sport and health to British Columbians," said Camosun College president Dr. Liz Ashton. "This chair will bring together Canadian leaders in sport science and technology to improve knowledge, innovation and technology development that will enhance physical activity, health and wellbeing of all Canadians."

Final proposals for the project have been invited, after which Camosun College will be expected to confirm matching funds from the private sector. It is expected that funding will be secured for the chair within the next year.

"This regional innovation chair can only add lustre to a college that is already known for its dynamic and innovative approach to education," said Saanich South MLA Susan Brice.

Six regional innovation chairs were previously approved in principle last June at the University College of the Cariboo, Malaspina University-College, Selkirk College and Kwantlen University College.

The Leading Edge Endowment Fund was established in 2002, in fulfilment of the government's New Era commitment to establish 20 permanent leadership chairs across B.C. The Province provided $45 million - $2.25 million for each chair - with matching funds to be secured by post-secondary institutions from external partners to establish some of the best-funded research chairs in Canada. Another $11.25 million was provided in 2003 and 2004 to create the nine regional innovation chairs.