Province to invest in kids’ access to sport

The Alberta government will invest $8 million into the Every Kid Can Play program if its 2024 budget is approved.

The province made the announcement on Tuesday.

The Every Kid Can Play Program removes barriers for Alberta families across the province and makes kids’ sports and recreational activities more accessible and affordable.

“It’s incredibly important for Alberta’s children to have access to affordable sport and recreation opportunities. I’m happy to see how Budget 2024 is breaking down financial barriers for Alberta’s families so their children can access opportunities that will build life-long memories and healthy habits,” says Lethbridge East MLA and Minister of Affordability and Utilities Nathan Neudorf.

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

An important part of growing up, sport teaches teamwork, builds confidence and promotes healthy lifestyles that can last well into adulthood. 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,” said Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport on Tuesday.

Sports play an important role in the early stages of a child’s life. They teach kids healthy habits and fundamental life skills such as teamwork, leadership and commitment that set them up for success in life, says the province.

Through the Every Kid Can Play Program, eligible families can apply to KidSport Alberta for support to offset their kids’ registration in sports and recreational activities.

Provincial and community non-profit organizations can also apply for grant funding to increase access to sport and recreation programs. Last year, the program invested $8 million to change the lives of more than 8,500 children and youth while supporting up to 50 child and youth-focused community-level programs throughout Alberta.

The program builds on the success of the government’s investment of

$4.5 million in 2022 for the Return to Play program designed to encourage participation in sport, physical activity and recreation for families with financial barriers.

”We are thrilled to be able to continue the impact we have been making through the Every Kid Can Play program with this funding. 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. This will help 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,” says Kelly Oehlerking, executive director of KidSport Alberta in a release.