Behind every KidSport donation is a success story. A recipient may trade in their jersey for a whistle, start as a Timbit and best on Team Canada, or become a first-generation graduate. Each KidSport journey is unique, but the common theme is the power of sport.<\/p>\n
A child\u2019s ambition to win that ribbon, pass that ball, or make that homerun translates into a valuable skillset that they\u2019ll carry throughout life. To ensure every kid gets a shot, Nova Scotia Equestrian Federation (NSEF), Volleyball Nova Scotia (VNS), Baseball Nova Scotia (BNS), Hockey Nova Scotia (HNS) and Soccer Nova Scotia (SNS) have all chosen to donate to the charity. We\u2019ve checked in with a few of these philanthropic organizations to learn about why they\u2019ve decided to prioritize KidSport.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnytime a child who loves horses gets to not only dream of experiencing the joy of riding, but actually gets to ride because of KidSport is a huge benefit to us,\u201d says Heather Myrer, NSEF executive director. \u201cWe support KidSport because funding goes directly towards horseback riding programs for as many children as possible.\u201d NSEF knows that supporting KidSport means putting kids first. The sport organization has contributed over the years, but in 2019 they chose to put KidSport at the forefront. \u201cWe decided to make KidSport a priority as it directly impacts children who otherwise would not be able to participate in a riding lesson or program,\u201d says Myrer. \u201cThe great thing about this charity is that they support a child\u2019s sport of choice. Without KidSport, lots of horse-loving children would not have this opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want everyone with the desire to play volleyball to have an opportunity and we recognize registration fees can be a barrier. It only makes sense for us to support an organization that focuses every day on solving that problem,\u201d says Jason Trepanier, VNS executive director. Not only does KidSport tackle financial barriers, it cultivates a more diverse sport environment. \u201cFor us, supporting KidSport has let our membership know that we are about building a strong community and we want everyone to feel supported and welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brandon Guenette, BNS executive director reflects back to what baseball gave him, \u201cI grew up playing this game and it has given me so much. The friendships, life lessons, and experiences gained through baseball could not be replaced. I can’t imagine not having baseball in my life.\u201d Aware of the positive impact, BNS steps up to the plate for KidSport. “Knowing what this sport can do for a person\u2019s development, we feel every kid should have the opportunity to grow up and develop in the supportive environment that sport provides. Kidsport makes this happen,\u201d says Guenette. A KidSport donation is an investment in kids, an investment in your community and as Brandon Guenette put it, \u201can investment in KidSport is an investment in your sport.\u201d<\/p>\n