WELCOME TO WELCOME
We are excited to bring you another edition of our unique online publication, offering a snapshot of Lethbridge’s sports scene. From recreational fun to competitive spirit, there’s something for everyone, regardless of age or skill level With nearly a hundred local sport organizations in Lethbridge, the possibilities are endless!
Inside, you’ll find direct links to organizations, making it easier than ever to connect and discover more about the sport opportunities available. Whether you’re looking to try something new or enhance your skills, you’ll find it here.
If you have questions or need more details, don’t hesitate to reach out to the organizations or to us
Thanks to all the partners who have supported this publication. Your contribution is invaluable in making ‘Sport Matters’ a go-to resource for everyone in Lethbridge.
QUICK LINKS TO SPORT ORGANIZATIONS QUICK LINKS TO SPORT ORGANIZATIONS
How to use quick links:
Click any organization's logo to go directly to the page containing their promotion. 1. To come back to the 'QUICK LINKS' page, click the icon found in the bottom left corner of every page. 2.
By Will Sharpe, Community Coordinator
At Lethbridge Sport Council, we are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive environment in all our sporting activities. Our Women and Girls' Sport Day at Legacy Park, scheduled for September 28th, is a prime example of how we put this commitment into action. By offering a variety of sports led by skilled community leaders, we provide girls aged 7 to 17, along with their mothers and guardians, the opportunity to explore and enjoy physical activities in a welcoming and supportive setting This initiative is designed not only to engage participants in sport but also to build a community where everyone feels valued and included.
Incorporating insights from resources such as the SIRC blog on diversity and inclusion, our approach emphasizes the importance of creating environments where all individuals, regardless of their background or abilities, can thrive. Promoting inclusion involves more than just opening doors; it requires active efforts to dismantle barriers and ensure everyone feels a sense of belonging. Our event aligns with these principles by focusing on accessibility, representation, and creating positive experiences for all participants. By implementing these practices, we aim to foster a culture where every individual feels empowered and motivated to engage in sport.
The broader impact of inclusive sport is significant, as highlighted in the SIRC article. Diverse and inclusive sport environments contribute to greater community cohesion, break down social barriers, and enhance the overall experience for participants. At Lethbridge Sport Council, we are proud to champion these values and continuously strive to improve our programs to better serve our community. Our ongoing commitment to sport inclusion reflects our belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate, enjoy, and excel in sport.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SPORT FOR ALL
By Will Sharpe, Community Coordinator
Volunteers are the heart of sport, bringing people together, fostering community spirit, and enriching the quality of sport programs. By organizing events, coaching, and mentoring, they make sport accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Volunteers not only strengthen community bonds but also gain valuable skills like leadership and teamwork, which are useful in all aspects of life
Volunteering in sport creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to participate in healthy, constructive activities. By dedicating their time, volunteers help cultivate teamwork, discipline, and resilience, building a positive environment for personal growth and community connection.
That’s why we launched the Sport Volunteer Hub to make it easier for you to find and participate in local sport volunteer opportunities. Sign up to receive tailored updates, or explore the latest postings from local sport organizations.
At the Lethbridge Sport Council, we believe in the power of sport to strengthen communities. Join us in creating a vibrant, connected, and active Lethbridge through sport volunteering.
Here is what you’ll find on the Sport Volunteer Hub:
Sign-up to our Volunteer Portal to get matched with opportunities that align with your skills, interests, and time—no commitment, no account needed. Explore the Volunteer Opportunities section. Visit the In The Community section to read the latest announcements about upcoming major events and celebrate amazing volunteers.
VISIT THE SPORT VOLUNTEER HUB
Withourcommunity partners,LethbridgeSport Councilinfluencesand supportstheenhancement anddevelopmentofsport.
OUR VISION
Lethbridge is an inclusive and accessible sport community that celebrates quality experiences.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to provide leadership and a collective voice for sport in Lethbridge.
By Abdulaziz Sani, D’Amazin Lions
D’Amazin Lions take a stand for the values of unity, collaboration, and community in the world of soccer. An extension of the BIPOC Foundation and its values, D’Amazin Lions’ recent success in the 2024 Leth’s Do It Soccer Tournament stands as a testament to those values and the positive impacts that they carry.
More than just a team, D’Amazin Lions is often a home away from home for individuals who are new to Canada. In fact, for many, the Lions have become a family and a community unto itself. This community is born from the truly unique environment that the BIPOC Foundation cultivates in its endeavors, one of equality, togetherness, and support.
Under the guidance of Coach AbdulAziz Sani, along with coaches Oseremen Irete, Barilomelo Ipaa, and Frank Aaron, D’Amazin Lions have forged their way into the local sports scene and bellowed a victory roar loud for all to hear Nothing worth having comes without effort, however Prior to the tournament, the Lions spent three days a week honing their skills in the Lions Soccer Camp, which has been running since May 10th, 2024, and concludes in the first week of September. Often, they trained well after the day's light had dissipated.
It would be shameful to discuss D’Amazin Lions and their triumph at the 2024 Leth’s Do It Soccer Tournament without thanking and acknowledging the community around us that came together in support of this event. Doug’s Sports, Lethbridge Soccer Association, Sportchek, Lethbridge Sport Council, and Southern Alberta Ethnic Association were all instrumental to the success of this event We could not have achieved the success we saw without their invaluable contributions, and we hope to work with them on future events of this caliber
By Susan Eymann, Executive Director
As sport volunteers, you are the backbone of community sport without you, these programs simply wouldn’t exist. You are giving your all, dedicating your time and expertise to make sport happen for everyone. At Lethbridge Sport Council, our mission is to support you in every way possible. We’re here to connect, promote, develop, and educate, ensuring you have the tools and knowledge to continue making a difference.
In my journey as a sport non-profit leader, I’ve learned that being open to new ideas and learning from others is key to being prepared for the unexpected opportunities that come our way.
I’m excited to share with you a list of books, podcasts, and videos that I’m currently enjoying and referencing in my work. These resources come from leaders I respect, partner with, and learn from, and I want to pass that knowledge on to you.
Keeping The Game Strong: Participation And Retention
The Costs of Winning: A look at the obsession of winning and the effect it is having on Youth Sport Development
In this 24-minute documentary, you’ll hear from kids, parents, and sport leaders as they share their thoughts on what it means to succeed in sport. It's a great video to watch at the start of the season to help shape your club's culture. Watch the documentary here: The Costs of Winning https://docs.potentialpictures.com/the-cost-of-winning/
Why It’s Taking So Long To Fix Youth Sports, Matt Young
If you find Give Sport Back To The Kids | Matt Young | TEDxGrandviewHeights intriguing, this book takes a deeper exploration into systemic issues plaguing youth sport. It's a thought-provoking read that invites self-reflection, which is why it’s taking me some time to get through. My copy is filled with folded corners, highlighted sections, and notes in the margins. A quick plug don't miss Chapter 10: Innovative Responses, where Lethbridge Game Changers is mentioned.
Sporting Change, co-hosted by Mathieu Constantin and Raine Paul
We brought Dare to Care: Bullying Prevention in Sports to Lethbridge this past spring when Lisa mentioned their podcast. It is clear that Mathieu and Raine do a lot of research prior to each interview, and I find it refreshing when they talk about ther own challenges to be mindful when speaking with their guests with lived experiences.
The Science Behind Success: Sport Science Insights
The Real Science of Sport, co-hosted by Professor Ross Tucker and sport journalist Mike Finch. This is one of my commuting podcasts Topics they’ve covered include high performance athletes and sleep, fueling and hydration for endurance sport, and any hot topic sport science issues The podcast description says it “breaks down the myths, practices, and controversies from the world of sport From athletics to rugby, soccer, cycling and more, the two (hosts) delve into the most recent research, unearth lessons from the pros and host exclusive interviews with some of the world’s leading sporting experts ”
Peak Performance: Elevating Athletes’ Skills and Mindset
Make It Happen, Kyle Shewfelt
This is an easy and enjoyable read. Kyle dives into the challenges and grit it takes to succeed, reminding us that success isn’t just about talent; it’s about perseverance and the community that supports you.
The Tao of Sport, Duff Gibson
I first listened to the audiobook but have since purchased the print version. I want to reread the chapters (and dare I say mark up the pages) that resonated with me as they are thought provoking. A must read for parents and coaches committed to placing athletes at the centre of their sport journey and to rethink their approach to sport development. Using stories and research he artfully navigates between the love of sport and pursuing excellence. Each chapter is packed with insights that could stand alone as a book.
For the Love of Sport, edited by Jordan Calladine
I have a bias here—the Lethbridge Sport Council helped publish this book. It offers a unique glimpse into the minds of athletes as they share their memories of the 2012 Lethbridge Alberta Summer Games. These stories reveal that the Games are about far more than just competition. I was moved by how life-changing these experiences were for the young athletes, highlighting the importance of pushing comfort zones and forming lifelong friendships.
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, Jonathan Haidt
This book was gitfted to me and it’s a long one about the era of smartphones and social media. I am only part way through because I keep getting distracted researching related blogs and websites, two of which are his SubStack - After Babel - and the Let Grow website “Leading the movement for childhood independence”.
Honorable Mention
Give and Go Sports https://www giveandgosport org/blog
Youth sport needs to return to the mindset of the past, where there are seasons for sports Children will be better served both as athletes and as people if they spend their formative years experiencing a variety of activities and pursuits
TIPS FROM AN OLYMPIAN TIPS FROM AN OLYMPIAN
YOU’LL NEVER REGRET TRYING SOMETHING NEW
An excerpt from an article by Susan Scandiffio - An excerpt from an article by Scandiffiopublished
When Kelsey Mitchell was 23, it had been 11 years since she’d owned a bike. Yep, she was 12 when she’d last owned one.
So, naturally, at the age of 24, Mitchell won the women’s cycling sprint title at the 2018 Canadian championships, won gold in the 2019 Pan American Games, brought home gold from the 2019 Pan American Track Cycling Championships, where she broke the world record in the 200-metre track sprint, and became the Olympic champion in the sprint at the Summer Games in Tokyo 2020.
Wait, what? How does a person go from being a non-cyclist to a world champion in the blink of an eye?
Kelsey Mitchell’s tips for parents & kids
The more variety of sports and physical activities, the better. Let kids be kids. I think being an active, healthy adult comes from being a healthy and active kid. Start ‘em young and keep ‘em active!
Stay active. Whether it be the Olympics or their high school soccer team, the desire and push to have people stay active for as long as possible should be the goal. From team sport to individual sports, so many good life lessons can be learned. You’ll never regret trying something. Everything happens for a reason and life has a funny way of working out. In your sport, in your career, in your life, in everything, you’ll never regret going after your dream.
Her message to the next generation of athletes is a simple but powerful one: “If I can do it, they can too.”
THE IMPACT OF VOLUNTEERING
LESSONS LEARNED THROUGH EXPERIENCE
By Shawn Daye-Finley, Program and Events Coordinator
Volunteering is the cornerstone of sport in Canada, crucial for everything from grassroots programs to elite competitions. Unlike in some countries where sports are integrated into the education system and business sectors, Canadian sports rely heavily on the dedication of volunteers and not-for-profit organizations. These individuals, driven by a love for the game or a desire to support their community, form the foundation of sport across the country. Without them, the sustainability of sport in Canada would be at risk.
Volunteering benefits both the community and the individuals involved Volunteers gain a profound sense of pride and ownership in the programs they support, often finding unique fulfillment in seeing athletes achieve their goals. For many organizations, volunteerism is vital, providing the necessary human resources to keep operations running, especially when financial constraints are tight. While often thankless, volunteering is essential.
My own experiences as a volunteer have been transformative Starting as a youth athlete volunteering as an official, I later became a nationally ranked referee in Olympic wrestling, which greatly contributed to my personal growth. Volunteering has also allowed me to shape the future of sport in my role on the Wrestling Canada - Coach Education Development Advisory Committee, ensuring future coaches and athletes have opportunities to succeed.
In my role at the Lethbridge Sport Council, I work closely with volunteers to run events like SportFest, Achievement Awards, tournaments, and coaching seminars. The success of these events hinges on the dedication of our volunteers, and we strive to create positive experiences that keep them coming back year after year.
However, the challenges of volunteering, such as overextending oneself, are real. Organizations must ensure volunteers have the support they need to stay energized and motivated. With economic pressures making it harder for people to give their time freely, maintaining a strong volunteer base is more crucial than ever to keep sport accessible to all.
For those considering volunteering, know that the rewards pride, fulfillment, and making a difference are immeasurable. By giving back, you help sustain the sport sector for the next generation, as others did for us.
COMMUNITY ROOM
OPEN for rental by both members and nonmembers.
Capacity - 38 seated
828 Sq ft
Podium
LCD Projector
IT Equipment available
Online booking
Wheelchair Accessible
Complimentary Wifi
OWL hybrid meeting camera
S
T R U E S P O R T P R I N C I P L E
Go For It
Rise to the challenge - always strive for excellence. Discover how good you can be.
Play Fair
Play honestly - obey both the letter and spirit of the rules. Winning is only meaningful when competition is fair
Respect Others
Show respect for everyone involved in creating your sporting experience, both on and off the field of play Win with dignity and lose with grace.
Keep It Fun
Find the joy of sport Keep a positive attitude both on and off the field of play.
Stay Healthy
Place physical and mental health above all other considerations - avoid unsafe activities
Respect your body and keep in shape.
Include Everyone
Share sport with others Ensure everyone has a place to play.
Give Back
Find ways to show your appreciation for the community that supports your sport and helps make it possible.
MOTHERS IN SPORT
YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK
By Sarah Woodland, Mother of one & Lethbridge Steel Football Player
There are still people who think women, and especially mothers, have no place in sport. They don’t picture women when they think of full contact sports. It's too masculine, too tough, too hard - a place for only boys and men. Dads can play football, but not moms, right?
The ladies of the Lethbridge Steel women's tackle football team are here to say "wrong"! They are made up of a diverse group of women aged 18-50+, including mothers at various stages of motherhood. This year, players fed newborns on the sidelines, saw their little ones holding posters in the stands, and the awe-filled faces of their teenagers while they kicked butt on the field. A previous player and current coach wrapped her very newborn son up in a carrier on her chest through chilly spring practices. These children of all ages are watching their moms join a strong group of women to play one of the toughest sports there is: full-contact tackle football. They watched their moms make a big play, or get hurt, and get back on the field. More importantly, they witnessed resilience, perseverance, joy, and love. Love of the game, love for themselves, and love of the sisterhood they have built.
Some Steel players have always been athletes, with various sport backgrounds, and they are learning that motherhood doesn't have to stop you. Some moms never played competitive sports and found the team is a place to push their limits or show that sport truly is for everyone. Something all the moms have in common is that just because you have the title of mom doesn't mean you have to choose between being strong and athletic, or feminine and loving. You CAN have it all.
"I have waited for nearly two decades for the opportunity to be on a field, playing alongside my daughter. It has been an absolute dream come true, wearing the same Steel jersey together each weekend this season."
Sarah, Mother of one & Lethbridge Steel Football Player
Every so often, one of those little humans in the stands grows into a big human who wants to follow in her mom's footsteps. This season was the first time in Lethbridge Steel history that a daughter donned the Steel jersey and joined her mom on the field. This experience was the culmination of years of motherhood and instilling into the people you love the most a passion for community, a sense of belonging, and the heart to play not just for yourself, but for the people beside you. The sense of community this season was exemplified when the team rallied around a player who suffered a life-altering medical diagnosis, providing support, love and camaraderie to both her and her family. And this is often why players return to the Steel. It truly is a sisterhood.
MOTHERS IN SPORT
CONTINUED
To all the moms out there that think they cannot push their limits and play a tough and competitive sport like tackle football, we say why not! You are stronger than you think. For information about how to join, search our name on social media, or go to our website, lethbridgesteelfootball.com.
"Just do it. We as mothers need to take care of ourselves and do what we love to do, regardless of whatever it is. Kids are 'monkey see monkey do', remember they are watching us."
Danielle, Mother of four & Lethbridge Steel Football Player
“This team, football and playing competitive sport after having a baby helped me in ways I can't even begin to explain. It gave me something for myself to work for and be proud about. I love my family and they are my absolute world but having something for myself was also the biggest blessing.”
Glenda, Mother of two & Lethbridge Steel Football Player
Without a steady job to get her out of the house and into her new community, Barb was having a hard time meeting people in Grande Prairie.
She’d spent decades building communities around her in southern and central Alberta, where she had worked fulltime. But all that had disappeared when the family decided to move north so Barb’s husband could pursue a career opportunity. Suddenly, her friends, family and colleagues were 100s of kilometres away, leaving her at loose ends.
Meanwhile, her husband and kids were out there every day, going to work or school, meeting new people, and coming back with stories and friendships that didn’t exist the day before.
That made Grande Prairie a lonely town for her. Or at least it was in the beginning. When her kids started to get involved in sports again in Grande Prairie, Barb saw a chance to get out in the community.
“I spent many years working for a non-profit health charity, so I’ve long understood the value of volunteering,” Barb said “So I saw getting more involved in my kids’ sports as a great way to meet people and contribute to my children’s activities ”
Barb Belisle
“I spent many years working for a non-profit health charity, so I’ve long understood the value of volunteering,” Barb said “So I saw getting more involved in my kids’ sports as a great way to meet people and contribute to my children’s activities ”And that’s just what she did
Finding a place to shine
A track and field athlete in her youth, Barb was excited to see her children pursue sports. But, like many kids, they chose to go their own way, lacing up skates instead of runners. That left Barb trying to find a way into a sport she knew little about.
“While the sports they chose were not ones I had technical skill sets in, where I felt comfortable coaching, I
of getting involved through coaching, ciated, volunteered at events, phed competitions and ran the group’s page and website for the skating ions. So instead of passing on her skills ildren, she was developing new ones volved in sport really pushed my skills ies as an amateur photographer,” Barb king action shots in less than favourable s a whole different kind of learning but it d my photography outside the rink.”
Moving beyond winning
As she volunteered with her children’s sports Barb got to see sport from a different side.
Instead of the singular focus on winning she had when she competed in Track and Field, Barb grew to see sport as a road to growth more than a road to victory
“I love seeing kids develop a passion for their sport and being active,” Barb said. “I am not talking about the drive that some kids develop to become elite athletes. More simply the energy and joy that they find from being active and perhaps achieving a personal best time or just finding the courage to try something new ”
Taking it to the next level
Eventually, Barb’s family moved on from Grande Prairie, relocating back to Lethbridge in 2016
But that didn’t mean Barb left volunteering behind. As soon as they were settled in town, Barb contacted the Lethbridge Speed Skating Association (LSSA) to see how she could fit in.
Once again, Barb was out officiating at events, snapping action shots and meeting new people. She even decided to take her volunteer work up a level. She joined the LSSA board as secretary before also becoming the club’s media coordinator and took her Speed Skating Canada Level 2 Officials training. That new designation opened the door for Barb to volunteer at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer.
With volunteers from all over the country coming to Red Deer, the winter games were so much more than just a venue to watch sports for Barb. It was a reunion, a place to meet new people, learn new skills and even spend time with her daughter.
“Just being surrounded by so many other volunteers, many I knew from my time involved with speed skating in Red Deer, Grande Prairie and Lethbridge, was fun,” she said. “But, I also had the opportunity to learn a lot from a very experienced volunteer during the event As an added bonus my oldest daughter even volunteered at the event with me ”
Volunteering through generations
Through volunteering in sport, Barb not only developed new skills and found a social network, but also gained a fresh perspective on the value of sports beyond competition Read about Barb’s volunteering journey on the Sport Volunteer Hub
After a decade of volunteering across the province, Barb’s not done yet. She’s still out at the rink when her schedule allows, snapping photos and officiating for the next generation of skaters “I still know many of the parents and volunteers involved in the sport, and volunteering allows me the opportunity to connect with them,” she said.
She’s even expanded her volunteering beyond skating to take a board member role with Healthy Lethbridge.
Her daughters, however, have moved on from Lethbridge to pursue postsecondary. But even though they’ve moved out, they’re not leaving the family tradition of volunteering behind. Instead, they’re making it their own, through coaching and getting involved at their universities.
And, to Barb, that’s more important than any award or achievement. “What makes me proudest has been seeing my kids volunteer as they have become adults,” Barb said Now, they have the same chance to create change and forge life-long connections that Barb did.
By Martin Lawrence, Sport Tourism Assistant
At Lethbridge Sport Council, we understand the importance of sport tourism and the numerous economic and social benefits it brings to our community and the further development of community sport.
The Lethbridge Sport Council, supported by a Memorandum of Agreement with Tourism Lethbridge, reports a total economic impact for sport events hosted in Lethbridge from January to March 2024 of $5,183,654 for the city of Lethbridge and $6,137,009 for the province of Alberta.
The 2024 First Quarter Sport Tourism Impact Report shows an 80% increase in projected economic impact for the same time period in 2023 This growth is attributed to the tremendous engagement from Lethbridge Sport Council members. Twenty-four sport organizations provided data for 73 of 76 events (96%) in 2024, compared to 19 sport organizations for 51 of 70 events (74%) in 2023. Both years saw sport events being hosted at 15 different venues.
The report highlights 10,836 participants, including athletes, coaches, managers, and technical officials and 81,691 spectators, with 19,669 traveling from out of town.
“What's remarkable about these numbers is that they were achieved without hosting any major national or international events during this period," said Susan Eymann, Executive Director of the Lethbridge Sport Council. "This report reflects the amazing work and dedication of our sport volunteers and staff. Their efforts have made a significant impact on our community, showcasing the power of grassroots sport tourism ”
The projected economic impact is calculated using the Sport Tourism Canada - Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model (STEAM), which uses the latest data from Statistics Canada for events that attract out-of-town participants and spectators.
The 2024 Sport Tourism Impact Report including reports for all 73 events hosted in Lethbridge can be viewed on the Lethbridge Sport Council website: https://bit.ly/lethbridgesteam
A local collaboration of organizations, Lethbridge Plays is dedicated to promoting play for all children and youth! Lethbridge Plays hosts and promotes events for families and youth Learn more about Lethbridge Plays on their website.
VISIT THE LETHBRIDGE PLAYS WEBSITE
#THANKS COACH #THANKS COACH
National Coaches Week celebrates the positive impact coaches have in sport This week is an opportunity to recognize coaches for the integral role they play by saying #ThanksCoach To celebrate National Coaches Week in 2023, we caught up with 5 new coaches to find out what makes them tick. Thanks to Teagan Viney, Jessica Zarowny, Alexa Koshman, and Cody Hemmerling for sharing their stories with us last year.
Below is an excerpt from the interview with Alexa Koshman Alexa began playing volleyball in 6th grade, and went on to play collegiate volleyball She now coaches the Griffins volleyball team at Winston Churchill High School.
As a player in your sport what was the biggest difference you noticed when you made the transition from player to coach?
I truly didn't realize the level of commitment and the amount of time that coaches give to their players and team. As a player, you kind of have an idea because the coaches show up to the same practices as games as you. What I didn't realize then, was the amount of work that goes in behind the scenes. Also, when you are an athlete, playing your sport is your "job" whereas with coaching, you have to balance your job, family, friends, and still make time for yourself. It makes me reflect and think about how grateful I am that the coaches in my life dedicated their time so that I could have the opportunities that I did.
What is one piece of advice you would give to new coaches?
Talk to other coaches! There is so much to learn as a coach and your community has a wealth of knowledge. Reach out to others and ask about tryouts, player communication, practice structure, coaching philosophy, and anything else you are curious about. If you can, try to get into a couple practices and watch how they are ran. You will find things that will work for you, won't work for you, and ways you can adapt your own coaching practice.
What is your favourite memory from coaching?
Winning the first zone championship for Griffin volleyball since 1996. I remember in hitting warm-up, the home team tried to get in our heads by playing extremely sad and slow songs. Instead of complaining or getting worked up, our team treated it as a mini performance. Everyone was so relaxed and so eager to play. I knew right then we were going to win that game. It was just such a special moment.
READ ALL THE STORIES FROM NATIONAL COACHES WEEK 2023
We are looking for great coaches to feature in our 2024 coaches week campaign! If you know a great coach, let us know by emailing tanya@lethbridgesportcouncil.ca
FEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
The cost of sport is a well-known barrier for many Canadian families. KidSport reports that cost keeps 1 in 3 Canadian children out of organized sport. Below are four assistance programs that help cover sport costs such as registration fees and equipment. These programs are excellent resources to help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in sport.
KidSport - Lethbridge & Taber
KidSport provides grants for youth 18 and under to participate in registered sport programs. The grants are to help cover sport registration. If equipment is required to play, let KidSport know and they will make a referral to a partner agency.
City of Lethbridge Recreation and Culture Fee Assistance Program
The City of Lethbridge offers a Fee Assistance Program for all ages to help with the costs for any recreation, sports, arts, or culture registration, membership, or equipment. The program is for Lethbridge residents who face financial barriers to participate in recreational and cultural opportunities.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart
The Canadian Tire Jumpstart Individual Child Funding is for youth between 4-18 years of age. The funding is allocated to cover the registration fees to sport and physical activity programs running a minimum of 5-weeks (or minimum 5-day sport camps) and equipment for sport and physical activity programs.
Calgary Flames Sports Bank
The Calgary Flames Sports Bank provides equipment to kids from low-income families. Therefore, families must provide adequate documentation. Equipment available is based on items that they currently have in stock. Please call ahead to book an appointment and to check the availability of appropriate gear. Walk in requests for equipment will not be fulfilled.
WHY DOES SPORT MATTER? WHY DOES SPORT MATTER?
Besides the mental and physical health benefits of sport, there are many ways sport positively impacts the lives of everyone, whether you are playing, officiating, coaching, or spectating. The benefits of sport reach far beyond the gains an athlete will experience. The broader community benefits from sport in a variety of ways, including:
BUILDING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY
Sport opens up a social network with the community Participants (and their parents in the case of youth participants) who may not have otherwise crossed paths meet and get to know each other. Sport can form long-lasting connections between people
LIFE LESSONS
Important life lessons can be learned through sport. Sport can teach healthy competition, the importance of strategy, critical thinking, and teamwork. Often we find that leaders in our community were very active in sport as youth, where they learned those valuable life lessons
HELPS ACHIEVE BALANCE
Sport is a great way to release the stress of everyday life. Sport doesn't have to be organized or competitive. A hike in the coulees, a round of golf, shooting hoops, joining a game of shinny, all will have a positive impact.
A REASON TO RALLY
Whether it is cheering for Team Canada around an Olympic broadcast, cheering for Team Alberta at the Tim Horton's Brier at the ENMAX Centre, or coming out to the stadium on a Friday night to support the local high school team, sport brings people together to cheer and support our teams and athletes.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Lethbridge hosts numerous sporting events every year. Whether small or large, they bring people to our town, often for a few days. While here, they spend money on hotels, at restaurants, shopping, at attractions, and they fuel up to go home. Every event hosted has a positive economic impact on our city.