KidSport making sure all kids are given the equal chance to play their favourite sports

“We believe that at the core, kids playing sports develops all sorts of positive attributes for those children. Be it a healthy competition, self-esteem, how to work as a team, how to lose properly, even how to win. All of those great things that they are going to carry on into adulthood,” said the local chair, Connelly Sherwick.

Every year, KidSport provided $65,000 to families in the region.

With a large portion coming from Medicine Hat’s CIBC Wood Gundy office.

Over the past 15 years, the Investment advisors have been the chapters’ largest donor, giving over $150,000 over the years.

Sherwick says that having such long-time support from CIBC Wood Gudy makes a major difference.

“It’s overwhelming. That ongoing support just means that’s one less thing we have to worry about in terms of raising money. We could instead focus on the kids, focus on helping them get involved. It’s one less thing that our volunteers have to spend time on,” Sherwick smiled.

For the advisors, they said that it was important for them to be able to give kids the chance to find their passion.

“It’s important for kids to be active and to be able to participate in sports. We just felt that this particular charity was a great way to help support those kids who would otherwise not have the opportunity. We find every year that there is an increase in demand,” said Mark Dumanowski, portfolio manager and investment advisor.

Since starting in Medicine Hat, KidSport has been able to not only help kids with the typical team sports of soccer and baseball.

Courtesy of Kidsport Medicine Hat & Redcliff

In 2018, they helped kids play over 25 sports and are on pace to continue that.

“Everyone’s got their niche. And when you find the sport that you love, you have a passion for and you want to get up and go play and that’s your thing it’s great if we can help you be involved in that. No matter what sport that is,” Sheriwck explained. “There’s no issue as long as you have a coach and this develops a skill, it’s an eligible sport for kids sport to help you with.”

Sherwick says that they are also in a unique situation, serving just as many girls as boys.

“Other areas of the country struggle with having the same amount of girls and boys involved in sports. But we’re very fortunate that yeah we fund about equal amounts of boys and girls. And it’s just wonderful,” he said.

For those interested in volunteering or donating to KidSport, they can visit KidSport website.

by Hayley Ferguson

KidSport making sure all kids are given the equal chance to play their favourite sports

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