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By Joel Mendelson

‘Teaches teamwork, builds confidence and promotes healthy lifestyles’: Alberta government injects $8M into youth sports accessibility

Mar 5, 2024 | 12:29 PM

The Alberta government has announced $8 million in funding to support kids in sports, should the proposed Budget 2024 be passed.

The money would go to the Every Kid Can Play program, with the goal of removing barriers for families in Alberta, and making kids’ sports and recreational activities more accessible and affordable.

Joseph Schow, minister of tourism and sport, said it’s important the youngest Albertans are able to participate in athletics.

“Sport and recreation opportunities should be affordable and accessible for all, especially young children and youth,” Schow said.

“An important part of growing up, sport teaches teamwork, builds confidence and promotes healthy lifestyles that can last well into adulthood,” he added.

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“I’m proud Alberta’s government is supporting families with affordable access to sport, by ensuring the Every Kid Can Play program is available to those who are most in need.”

Through the program, eligible families can apply to KidSport Alberta for support for their kids’ registration in sports and recreational activities.

Provincial and community non-profit organizations can apply for funding to increase accessibility to sports and improve their recreation programs.

According to the province, last year’s program invested $8 million to help over 8,500 youths while supporting up to 50 child and youth-focused community-level programs throughout Alberta.

READ MORE: Applications open for provincial Every Kid Can Play program

Kelly Oehlerking, the executive director of KidSport Alberta, said the impact has been huge.

“We are thrilled to be able to continue the impact we have been making through the Every Kid Can Play program with this funding,” Oehlerking said.

“KidSport has been able to support more than 8,500 kids through Every Kid Can Play, and this financial support will create transformative opportunities for thousands of Albertan children,” she added.

“This will ensure that every child, regardless of their financial circumstances, can enjoy the benefits of engaging in physical activities and the happiness of participating in sport.”