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.
If Budget 2024 is passed, Alberta’s government would provide $8 million to the Every Kid Can Play Program. The program removes barriers for Alberta families across the province and makes kids’ sports and recreational activities more accessible and affordable.
“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.”
“Sports play an important role in both the physical and mental well-being of children. I’m so pleased this program will make it easier and more affordable for children to connect with their peers, mentors and communities in healthy ways.”
“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.”
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. Additionally, provincial and community non-profit organizations can 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.
”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.”
“Through sports, children can discover their strength, redefine limits and inspire us all with their determination and spirit. Sports programs for children of all abilities are not only about empowerment, resilience and breaking boundaries, they also catalyze social inclusion, breaking down barriers and affirming the inherent worth and dignity of every child. We would like to thank the Alberta government for helping us create a life without limits by supporting the children we serve throughout the province.”
Supporting adaptive recreational and sport organizations exemplifies the power of sport by helping Alberta kids champion inclusion and show the world that sports are for everyone. These organizations help connect Alberta kids to life-changing opportunities and experiences that inspire them well into adulthood.
Budget 2024 is a responsible plan to strengthen health care and education, build safe and supportive communities, manage the province’s resources wisely and promote job creation to continue to build Alberta’s competitive advantage.
View the full press release here: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=898609783FF9C-D1DC-DC36-2386A7245A2C3638