Sports and recreational activities are at the forefront when it comes to healthy living and building strong communities; however, financial barriers continue to hinder some from becoming involved in the activities of their choice.
Kidsport, a Canada-wide not-for-profit organization with a chapter in each province and the Northwest Territories, aims to alleviate those financial barriers for kids 18 and under.
In just over a year, Kidsport Bonnyville has doubled the number of kids it provided financial assistance to for registration fees and equipment.
Kidsport Bonnyville helped out 27 kids in 2010. In 2011 the Bonnyville chapter formed a committee and provided the opportunity for 63 kids to play the sport they wanted.
Brad Ollen, chairperson for Kidsport Bonnyville, said that recreational activities and sports provide kids with opportunities they might not otherwise get.
“Playing sports opens all kinds of doors,” he said. “It's a chance to make friends, to feel motivated and to just feel like a part of the community.”
Kidsport Bonnyville accepts applications for funding from families through the Kidsport website or by dropping it off at the Centennial Centre.
All eligible applicants are funded, said Ollen. “That's what we're here for.”
Kidsport provides up to $300 of funding per year, per kid, directly to the sporting organization, allowing applicants to remain anonymous to the public throughout the process.
There are 35 Kidsport committees across Canada and Bonnyville currently sits in the top five for funding per capita.
But Ollen said there are still a lot of kids to help. “There are always families in need that could use a little extra financial help to get their kids in sports.”
Ollen said his parents did what they could so that he was able to play organized sports growing up.
“I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to play sports all my life. I know my parents worked really hard to make it a possibility,” Ollen said. “I look at Kidsport as my chance to help out those kids that might not have otherwise had that opportunity to play.”
Ollen said the entire Kidsport committee in Bonnyville has been working hard to raise funds through different fundraisers and by contributions from local companies and organizations, like the Oilmens Society and Canadian Natural.
He said everyone volunteers for their own reasons, but for himself, just knowing he helped one more kid play sports that makes it all worthwhile.
“The rewards from Kidsports are completely intrinsic,” he said. “There's nothing you can see, nothing you can hold in your hand or take home with you. You just know, at the end of the day, you're helping out the families that need it.”
