The provincial government is providing $8 million in new funding to KidSport Alberta, with $90,000 of it going to support KidSport Wood Buffalo.
Through their program “Every Kid Can Play”, families who are struggling financially can apply for up to $350 per child to help offset the costs of sports programs across the province.
Locally, KidSport Wood Buffalo will be applying the money to their Athlete Funds Program which supports children facing financial barriers to sports participation.
“We are overjoyed to celebrate such a funding announcement with KidSport Alberta,” says Jamal-e-Fatima Rafat, Executive Director of KidSport Wood Buffalo.
Community and provincial not-for-profit organizations are also able to apply for grants to help deliver sports programming for youth in their communities.
“Sport and recreation opportunities should be affordable and accessible for all, especially young children and youth,” says Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sports
“We are committed to supporting initiatives that make access easier for families, helping to build healthy and fit communities through sport and recreation.”
In 2022, KidSport Wood Buffalo invested over $122,000 in local sports through registration costs and funded 345 kids to play a sport of their choice. So far in 2023, they have funded close to 170 kids and invested close to $56,000 already into local sports.
The funding is part of the commitment made by the province in the most recent Alberta budget. The government estimates over 8,500 children and youth along with up to 200 sport organizations will benefit from this support.
