August 2, 2022, – WINNIPEG, MB – KidSport Manitoba is proud to announce a new community-focused partnership with the WHL’s Winnipeg ICE that will help even more kids get off the sidelines and into the game. The Winnipeg ICE are joining KidSport’s Corporate Champion program as the official champion of hockey grants in Manitoba.
1 in 3 Canadian kids cannot afford to participate in organized sport. KidSport is a national not-for-profit organization that provides grants to help cover those costs so that kids aged 18 and under can play a season of sport.
Part of ensuring that all kids have the chance to play, is having the funding available to administer grants. In 2021, 121 kids from across the province received a KidSport grant to play hockey, for a total of $32,113.43. Hockey is the second highest funded KidSport sport in Manitoba after soccer.
Since moving to Winnipeg in 2019, the ICE have strongly supported many important community initiatives related to youth, inclusion, mental wellness, and creating positive experiences. And now, the ICE are reinforcing their support for youth sport with this partnership.
As a Corporate Champion, the ICE will partner with KidSport to host a youth hockey skills competition, and the second annual KidSport Night at the Ice Cave in March 2023, where a portion of the ticket sales will be donated to KidSport.
The number of families applying for KidSport grants will continue to increase post-pandemic as many of them have experienced financial strain over the last few years. KidSport anticipates a large increase in demand for the program as we all return to play.
KidSport provides grants of up to $500 per eligible kid, per year towards sport registration fees. With the support of the Winnipeg ICE, KidSport will be better positioned to raise awareness of the availability of its grants, amplify our fundraising efforts, and create exciting opportunities in sport for more kids in Manitoba. In 2021, KidSport Manitoba granted a total of $188,528 to 789 kids across the province.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Winnipeg ICE to work towards our common goal of getting more kids off the sidelines and into the game. The ICE have been tremendous supporters of KidSport since putting down roots in our community and are a perfect fit for our Corporate Champion program. Thanks to the ICE, even more kids will get to experience the joys and triumphs of organized sport.”
Janet McMahon, President & CEO, Sport Manitoba
“KidSport Manitoba is doing very important work in our community and we are thrilled to continue this partnership with them. Through our joint efforts, we hope to see more youth in our community gain valuable skills and experiences through sport as well as driving that passion to be active”
Matt Cockell, Winnipeg ICE President & General Manager
Learn more about the Winnipeg ICE
A KidSport volunteer drops the puck at centre ice during the first annual KidSport Night at the Winnipeg ICE Cave