The KidSport organization continues to help children participate in organized sports in Weyburn and area.
KidSport representative Brenda Croft provided an update to members of the Weyburn Rotary Club.
The nationally-based non-profit organization provides financial assistance for youths 18 years and younger, in particular to families who cannot afford to get their children into sports, whether it’s for registration or equipment.
The grants are up to a maximum of $750 per person per year with a confidential application process to ensure the family meets the criteria set out for eligibility.
“No child should be left on the sidelines,” said Croft, who noted that through organized sports, children are kept physically active and learn life-long lessons such as good sportsmanship, and learning how to be part of a team effort.
From its start in 1993, KidSport now operates in 175 communities across Canada, including Weyburn, to help youth get into organized sports. KidSport got started in Weyburn in 1996 through the efforts of Les Walliser.
Among the criteria for grants is that it has to involve a sport approved by the Sask. Sports Council, so activities such as dance would not be eligible. Croft added that if parents want a child in dance, they can be referred to organizations who can help in that area, such as Creative Kids.
KidSport receives support from many sources, including the University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Brandt Tractor, SaskEnergy, and the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey Leage.
Croft noted that in relation to the SJHL, there was a promotion this year that tied grant monies to goals scored by the home team Red Wings. The result a cheque for $2,800 was raised, based on Red Wings goals, “so that was a great help for us.”
The Weyburn KidSport group also partnered this year with Crocus 80 Theatre, with proceeds of $1,750 from a dessert matinee theatre going to KidSport.
“All of these fundraisers and support has been wonderful, with 100 per cent of all money we raise in Weyburn going to kids for equipment and registration costs,” said Croft, noting that provincial grants are based on local fundraising and donations they receive.
KidSport helps families in Weyburn and in the area, including Yellow Grass, Midale, Fillmore — as long as they play in Weyburn. If a Yellow Grass child plays just in Yellow Grass, then funding for that family would fall under the Regina chapter of KidSport.
Croft noted that in 2014, KidSport provided 55 grants totalling around $17,000, and last they provided 78 grants totalling $18,000.
“It doesn’t take a lot to eat up the money,” she said, especially with the cost of equipment for sports like minor hockey.
