The B.C. Government is providing $400,000 to KidSport BC to give all children and teenagers the opportunity to play sports.
Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, Peter Fassbender, announced the funding Saturday at the annual KidSport BC Corporate Challenge in Burnaby. The week of September 7th to 13th was officially declared the KidSport BC Week.
“Sport is a large part of life for many children and teens. It’s where they learn about comradery, hard work, discipline, and the ability to work with others towards a common goal,” Fassbender said. “It also builds an important foundation that leads to a healthy and active lifestyle for the future. Every child should have a chance to participate in sport, and I’m pleased that we continue to fund this worthwhile program.”
The week of September 7th to 13th was also declared KidSport Week in Kamloops.
The KidSport Kamloops chapter has been helping kids since 2003, and gives $50,000 per year on average to allow kids to participate in organized sports. The organization is trying to help create awareness in the community so more kids are able to play sports.
In 2014, KidSport Kamloops helped 175 kids receive funding to allow them to play sports.
“So many families are still unaware that this program is available to help them,” said Scott Andruschak, Chair of KidSport Kamloops. “So far this year we have helped 167 kids, but our goal is 200.”
Provincially, over 7,000 kids were assisted by KidSport BC in 2014, which is an increase of 10 per cent from 2013.
KidSport BC operates 41 community chapters in the province and has helped tens of thousands of kids stay active since being established in 1993.
For more information, visit the KidSport Kamloops website.
