Programs get kids off the sidelines and into the game
One in three Canadian families cannot afford to enrol their kids in organized sports and physical activity programs, which means many kids are missing out on the benefits that come with organized play.
Ever since she was a little girl, Casey, now 18, knew she wanted to play professional golf, but her family’s budget was stretched with a busy household of seven young children.
“We knew that Casey had extraordinary talent, but we could not afford the expensive membership and green fees,” said Casey’s mom, Julie MacNeil. “The last thing we wanted was to keep her off the golf course due to affordability. She had such big dreams for herself.”
Kids who participate in organized sports or physical activity outside of school hours gain many short- and long-term benefits, including increased self esteem, greater self confidence, leadership skills, and better grades in school.
“The benefits of kids participating in sports affects their entire lives, not just their childhood years,” said Dan Howlett, director of operations and community programming, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “Charities like Canadian Tire Jumpstart are dedicated to removing financial barriers so all kids have the opportunity to participate in the sport or physical activity of their choice.”
By assisting with costs associated with registration, equipment and/or transportation for sports and physical activity programs, Canadian Tire Jumpstart aims to help all kids to get in the game.
“We couldn’t be more proud of what our daughter has accomplished,” MacNeil said. “This year, Casey is heading off to Charleston Southern University on a full golf scholarship, and we have Jumpstart to thank for giving her the opportunity to continue to perfect her game.”
Casey’s story is just one of Jumpstart’s many successes, but there are many kids out there who are waiting for their chance to get off the sidelines. To find out how you can help give kids like Casey the chance to live their dream, visit canadiantire.ca/jumpstart.