Province announces new funding for affordable sports

By Lethbridge Herald on July 22, 2024.

Justin Sibbet – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Sports are widely considered to be a good way for kids to experience teamwork, stay healthy and simply have fun. However, money can be a significant barrier for entry into a recreational activity.

The province recently announced a new initiative to reduce the strain of sports on a wallet. 

Through the “Every Kid can Play” program, the province will be providing $400,000 to two non-profit organizations in Alberta. Sport Central in Edmonton and the Calgary Flames Sports Bank in Calgary.

Alberta’s minister for tourism and sport, Joseph Schow, said it’s terrible to see children who are unable to play a sport because of a financial roadblock.

“One of the saddest things in life is wasted potential,” said Schow. “Knowing that things could have been different; the only thing worse than that is not even getting the chance to try.”

He says the benefits of participating in athletics are paramount to the success of a person in the long run.

“Participating in sports builds confidence, resilience and teamwork,” said Schow. “Sports provide a community, a sense of belonging and building healthy habits well into adulthood.”

Those healthy habits, Schow said, will carry from an early age to bring a better future for all involved.

“I’m a firm believer that active kids become active teens, become active adults.”

As a result, Schow said the government will be spending this money to help families and children in need of a financial boost.

“Alberta’s government is breaking down the financial barriers that prevent kids from engaging in sport and recreation programs, including helping Alberta families access sport equipment needed to participate.”

Nathan Neudorf, Lethbridge-east MLA and minister of affordability and utilities, said in a media release he is glad to see this work being done as it will help children live a better life.

“I am proud that our government is continuing to ensure sports are affordable and accessible for Alberta’s youth,” Neudorf said. “By breaking down financial barriers in sport, we are ensuring kids across the province have the opportunity to build healthy habits for life.”

As for the two non-profits selected to receive the funding, Schow said they are top-tier organizations in the province.

“These two non-profit organizations that collect, refurbish and distribute gently used donated sports equipment to children across the province in need are doing amazing work.”

He said the Calgary Flames Sports Bank distributed nearly 17,000 pieces of equipment last year. Meanwhile, Sport Central distributed over 10,500 pieces of equipment in 2023.

“By investing in these non-profits, we’re ensuring more kids can participate in sports they love regardless of their financial circumstances,” said Schow.

Janna Tominuk, CEO for Sport Central, said the money will do more than create a small, short-term boost in the province.

“This funding from the Government of Alberta will have a lasting impact on Albertans, specifically to kids and families facing financial hardship,” said Tominuk.

She said sports provide the obvious physical benefits, but noted the words she hears most through the organization from children and parents are about the mental aspects of sports.

“Joy, happiness, hope, inclusion, community, belonging, and somebody cared about us.”

Brody Norton, manager of operations and outreach with the Calgary Flames Sports Bank, said the money will make a big impact in the southern part of the province.

“This investment announced today is game changing for the work we do for marginalized children throughout the communities we serve in southern Alberta,” said Norton.

He said there is also no barrier for children with financial struggles to access support, no matter which sport they choose to play.

“Whether a child is registered in a sport and belongs to a team, or they simply just want to play basketball at their local school grounds, we are helping thousands of children get off the bench and into the game.”

However, he said the problem of financial barriers to sport has only increased in recent years even with their work.

“Our program has never faced larger demand than the past few years. With this increased need comes a call for community investment to help us ensure that as many kids as possible are given the chance to play.”

Scott Sinclair, MLA for Lesser Slave Lake, said he is thrilled by this announcement as it will limit TV time and increase play time for children.

“It provides a positive and hopeful path for kids and gets them out and not in front of screens, which I think is important in this day and age,” Sinclair said.

He said it’s also good to have the two largest cities in Alberta work together on the initiative.

The “Every Kid can Play” program enables families who are eligible, to apply for a grant of up to $350 per child to help offset the price of sports. In Lethbridge, Taber, Coaldale, Coalhurst, Barnwell and Picture Butte, families can receive $250, according to KidSport Alberta, the organization that allocates the grants.

To be eligible, a family with children in Alberta must meet certain guidelines. According to KidSportCanada.ca, “KidSport Alberta uses the federal government low-income guidelines plus about 50 per cent to determine eligibility.”

To check eligibility status, visit https://kidsportcanada.ca/alberta/provincial-fund/