Jason Luan, Minister of Culture. (Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Every Kid Can Play

Government aiming to help more children and youth get into sport

Apr 24, 2023 | 3:58 PM

Alberta’s government says it is investing $8 million to help make sport, physical activity and recreation more accessible through the new Every Kid Can Play program

Government officials say the Every Kid Can Play program is designed to help more Alberta children and youth access sport, physical activity and recreation. The program will provide subsidies for program registration costs to Alberta families that are struggling financially thanks to a partnership between Alberta’s government and KidSport.

“Sport and physical activity are important to Albertans’ physical and mental health,” says Jason Luan, Minister of Culture. “Alberta families should be able to easily access affordable sport, physical activity and recreation programming within their communities. I am proud of the opportunities this funding will provide by easing the burden on families struggling with inflation and to ensure that children in Alberta can better access affordable sport and physical activities.”

“Every Kid Can Play is another way our government is supporting Alberta families struggling with rising costs that are affecting how and if their kids can participate in activities,” adds Mickey Amery, Minister of Children’s Services. “We’re committing to reducing barriers to sports, artistic and recreational activities so that children aren’t the ones paying the price of inflation.”

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The government says the Every Kid Can Play program is expected to provide direct financial support to more than 8,500 children and youths to subsidize sport and recreation program registration costs, and support as many as 200 child and youth-focused community-level programs throughout Alberta.

The government says KidSport will distribute up to $350 per child registration to eligible families to assist with program costs and other applicable fees for sport programs. Parents can apply for funding in June through KidSport Alberta.

Officials say this program will also provide financial support to community-based organizations that provide programming for Alberta’s kids and youth to participate in sport, physical activity and recreation.

“This funding will provide life-changing opportunities for countless kids, helping to ensure that every child has the chance to experience the benefits of physical activity and the joy of playing sport regardless of their financial situation,” shares Kelly Oehlerking, executive director, KidSport Alberta. “At KidSport, we believe that sport has the power to transform lives, and this investment will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many low-income children across the province.”