Colin Hodgson (centre) with members of the junior stars team at a 2019 Grand Slam of Curling event. (Anil Mungal Photography)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

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Hometown curler hoping to launch KidSport chapter in Lacombe

Nov 7, 2020 | 12:46 PM

A curler who grew up in Lacombe is trying to kick start a new chapter of KidSport in the city.

Colin Hodgson, a 30-year-old and competitor in four Briers, became an ambassador for the organization just prior to the pandemic.

KidSport provides grants to families who otherwise can’t afford gear and fees related to minor sports. Currently, families in Lacombe have to go through a provincial pot KidSport has for communities without a chapter.

“I was at the Brier and had a really cool, special moment that happened to get caught on television. One of the parents from the junior stars team came up to me and asked if I’d talk to some of the kids who’d missed out on meeting some of the athletes,” says Hodgson. “So I went out, chatted with them, watched some ends, it was on TV while someone from KidSport was watching, and I got an email.”

Hodgson says it was an honour to be considered alongside professional and Olympic athletes, the likes of which include Akeem Haynes, Erica Wiebe, Mike Soroka and Brady Leman.

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But the catch to getting a chapter up and running is it needs five to ten dedicated volunteer board members. Nick Davies, Development and Communications Manager, KidSport Alberta, says taking on such a role can be very rewarding.

Hodgson was caught on TV at this year’s Brier taking some time to chat with members of a junior stars team. That moment led to him becoming a KidSport ambassador. (Supplied)

“Especially with everything going on, and kids are marginalized as it is, cost is the number one barrier to playing. The cost of sport is only increasing,” he says. “Joining a board like this, you’re an ally in that battle to make sure kids don’t miss out on opportunities they should have.”

In 2019, 27 kids in the city of Lacombe accessed KidSport grants, about $6,200 worth. Lacombe County saw another 28 kids, with others applying from Alix and Blackfalds. In 2020, Lacombe has had 22 applications.

Davies points out having a chapter in Lacombe would work better to ensure that donations from residents of Lacombe are actually staying in the city.

“If I can get one youth to take a good path at a young age, it might change their path in the future,” Hodgson adds.

Throughout November, Cilantro and Chive in Lacombe is selling its Burger of the Month – the ‘Hurry Hard’ – in honour of Hodgson. Two dollars from each burger will go towards KidSport and be set aside for youth in Lacombe.

For those interested in helping start a local chapter of KidSport, email n.davies@kidsport.ab.ca.