Keeping kids’ sports affordable

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Alberta families and non-profit organizations can now apply for funding from the Every Kid Can Play program to access affordable sport, physical activity and recreation programs for children and teens.

To support the program’s success, Alberta’s government is providing $3 million to KidSport Alberta to subsidize registration costs for families that are struggling financially.

“Sport and recreation opportunities should be affordable and accessible for all, especially young children and youth,” said Minister of Tourism and Sport Joseph Schow.

“We are committed to supporting initiatives that makes access easier for families, helping to build healthy and fit communities through sport and recreation.”

Introduced in Budget 2023 with a com - mitment of $8 million, the Every Kid Can Play program is funded by the Government of Alberta and administered in part by KidSport Alberta.

The program increases access and affordability for families across Alberta with kids and teens participating in sports and recreational activities.

Through KidSport Alberta, families can apply for support to offset registration fees.

“The benefits of sport extend beyond the field and too many families miss out on the social, mental, emotional and physical health benefits of physical activity due to financial barriers,” said KidSport Alberta executive director Kelly Oehlerking.

“With the support of the Government of Alberta, KidSport is determined to give every child and youth the opportunity to find and reclaim the joy of sport.”

Provincial and community non-profit organizations can apply for grant funding to increase access to sports and recreation programs. Every Kid Can Play is expected to provide direct financial support to more than 8,500 children and youth and support up to 200 child and youthfocused communitylevel programs throughout Alberta.

Applications opened on Tuesday, July 18 for both families applying for government support through KidSport, and communities and provincial non-profit organizations that provide sport and recreation programs, applying on the Government of Alberta’s website.