KidSport B.C. got a big boost from the province this week as Parliamentary Secretary for Non-Profit Partnerships Gordon Hogg announced $400,000 in new funding for the program.
Trail’s chapter of KidSport will receive approximately $2,000 of those funds for its continued support for families and efforts to eliminate the financial barriers that can keep kids 18 and under from participating in sport.
“Our allotment is based on the granting we’ve done in the last year, so it’s apportioned out to the 40 chapters across the province based on the number of dollars they’re granting out to children and families in need,” said KidSport chair Betty Ann Marino.
The program enables youth to participate in a sport of their choice through confidential financial assistance.
In Trail so far this year 28 kids have taken advantage of the program, with KidSport allocating funds totaling over $5,000 for nine different sports organizations. Each grant averages $200 to $300 and used for registration in various recognized sports organizations.
“For so many of us, participation in sport in our youth taught us important life lessons and helped make us who we are today,” said Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. “KidSport is a fabulous organization that works to make sport affordable for families. Our government is proud to support the work of this wonderful organization.”
More importantly families in communities without KidSport chapters can still access funds through the provincial KidSport coffers.
“A big chunk of that money stays with the province, because they fund all the communities that don’t have chapters, they use those dollars to fund those kids and those families,” said Marino.
With the new season of sport upon us Marino encourages families who could use the help to access the KidSport program through Trail Parks and Rec.
“We always want to get the word out so people know we’re there, especially with the fall sports season on. Please if you need money and you need support to get your children playing, please come and talk to us.”
Contact Trail Parks and Rec at 368-0888 or go to www.kidsporttrail.ca/apply/ for an application.