Social Development Minister Rich Coleman under intense questioning in the legislature Monday about cuts to Special Oympics programs. (B.C. Legislature)

The NDP is accusing the B.C. government of making huge cuts to Special Olympic programs at a time when the province is getting ready to host the 2010 Games.

Opposition leader Carole James said during question period in the legislature that the government was slashing funds by as much as 83 per cent for programs for handicapped athletes around the province.

"Last week we learned about cuts to Special Olympics programs in the Sunshine Coast. Today we've learned that those cuts are across the province," James said.

James said the actions are being taken by a government that has three ministers responsible for sports and spent thousands of dollars on a recreation room for bureaucrats in Victoria.

Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman replied that the government had to make some difficult decisions in the face of the weak economy and is still providing tens of millions of dollars to help the disabled.

Coleman said that in fact, the government had increased funding to ensure that every parent with a disabled child who has been on a waiting list is getting the help they need.

"We increased the funding to Community Living B.C. so every wait-listed person in the province of British Columbia with a developmentally disabled child will have funding for their children this year," the minister said.

"I know it's difficult for some sports organizations right now, because we've had to rationalize some money to put priorities in different places in government. I empathize with that," said Coleman

With files from The Canadian Press