Minister of Tourism and Sport Joseph Schow. (Government of Alberta/YouTube)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

$400,000

Provincial government levels the playing field with youth sport investment

Jul 19, 2024 | 2:52 PM

Through the Every Kid Can Play program, the Government of Alberta is providing a total of $400,000 to Sport Central and the Calgary Flames Sports Bank, two non-profit organizations that provide donated sport equipment to families across the province.

The decision is an effort to break down the financial barriers that often prevent kids from engaging in sport and recreation programs, such as helping Alberta families access sport equipment needed to participate.

“Sport should be accessible for everyone. Unfortunately, the cost of equipment can make participation in sport unaffordable for many families. By supporting organizations that share our government’s vision of sport being accessible to all, we’re ensuring more kids can participate in the sports they love, regardless of their financial circumstances,” said Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport.

The program allows eligible families to apply for a grant of $350 per child to offset their child’s registration in sport and recreational activities. Applications to offset registration fees are available year-round through KidSport Alberta.

Provincial and community-level non-profit organizations can also apply for grant funding through the Every Kid Can Play program to increase access to their sport and recreation programming. Last year, the government helped almost 10,000 children and youth register for the sports they love and supported 82 non-profits throughout the province. The deadline for provincial and community-level organizations to apply for Every Kid Can Play funding is July 31.

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“Our Calgary Flames Sports Bank and the thousands of very deserving youth who receive our support are thrilled about this announcement. This investment by the Government of Alberta is game-changing for the work we do in our community,” said Kevin Webster, Calgary Flames Sports Bank CEO.

Edmonton’s Sport Central and the Calgary Flames Sports Bank collect, refurbish and distribute gently used sport gear to families in need across Alberta. In 2023, Sport Central provided equipment to more than 10,500 children in central and northern Alberta, and in southern Alberta the Calgary Flames Sports Bank distributed more than 16,600 pieces of equipment to children.

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