Minister Jason Nixon. (Government of Alberta/YouTube)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

$500,000

Alberta invests in AMP Legacy Foundation of Canada to expand programming

Jan 7, 2025 | 1:55 PM

The Government of Alberta is investing $500,000 in the AMP Legacy Foundation of Canada to support its efforts to make hockey more inclusive for children with disabilities.

Located in Calgary, the Foundation advocates for adaptive sports, education and meaningful change. It also aims to empower children with physical disabilities by creating programs that foster physical activity in an inclusive environment.

“The AMP Legacy Foundation of Canada does amazing work in building inclusive communities through adaptive sports. Their work is truly inspiring, and I know this funding will play a key role in helping them make sport more accessible and improve the lives of more young Albertans,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services.

For example, the organization offers a program to Grade Three students, supports mixed-ability jamborees for adaptive and able-bodied athletes and supports the first Tier One NHL-affiliated hockey team in Canadian history, government representatives say.

“Sport and recreation are about more than competition; they’re about finding community and building healthy habits for life,” commented Minister of Tourism and Sport, Joseph Schow. “Through this funding, we’re helping expand the number of opportunities for more Albertans to be more active more often—because sport is for everyone, and every kid deserves the chance to play.”

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The $500,000 donation is intended to expand the Community Champions Program, which gives third-grade students of all abilities an opportunity to play para-hockey, including sledge and roller hockey, in a supportive environment at no cost.

With the donation, the Foundation is expected to grow its program reach in Calgary and expand into Edmonton, which the government says would allow it to offer its program to more than 2,000 Grade Three students during the 2024-25 school year.

“The fact that 92 per cent of children aren’t meeting requirements for physical activity deeply concerned us as parents and former players. We felt a responsibility to step up and create a positive and impactful experience for our kids and communities,” says Brad Layzell, chairman and founder of the AMP Legacy Foundation of Canada. “With this funding from the Alberta government, the program has grown from 100 students to over 2,000 in one year. It’s been absolutely incredible.”