The Greater Toronto Hockey League and KidSport Ontario are proud to announce a partnership agreement for the 2024-25 season. The partnership will strive to assist young athletes in GTHL house league and competitive (‘AAA,’ ‘AA,’ ‘A’) programs in need of support by helping to remove financial barriers for new and current players.
The partnership includes a donation from the GTHL to KidSport Ontario to be held for individual hockey grant applications. KidSport Ontario and local chapters benefiting from the donation will administer the funds to approved applicants who meet KidSport requirements.
“The GTHL is proud to partner with such an amazing organization in KidSport Ontario,” said Scott Oakman, Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer of the GTHL. “Getting our youth active and engaged in sport is one of our shared goals. It’s incredibly important to the League as we get the opportunity to use the GTHL Legacy Fund and the funds raised by KidSport as an assist for so many families in need.”
The GTHL provided a $37,500 donation for the fall registration season and will continue as funding allows. Individual grants from KidSport Ontario of $300 will be matched through the GTHL’s contribution, up to $600 per child per year.
As a community partner, KidSport Ontario will also participate in key GTHL events such as the Annual Meeting of Members, GTHL Legacy Classic, I Play in the G Festival, among others.
“KidSport Ontario recognizes that, more than ever, many families can use some help getting their kids into sport,” Sara Restani, Executive Director of KidSport Ontario, said. “This partnership with the GTHL will allow us to provide more funding for hockey registrations, supporting the fantastic programming by their associations. We are excited for the seasons to come and to ensuring no kid is left off the ice.”
KidSport Ontario along with special guest, acclaimed Canadian figure skater Kurt Browning, were out in support of the GTHL Legacy Fund at the 2024 GTHL Legacy Classic on July 9. The golf tournament raised $34,495.81, proceeds that will help families in financial need and assist organizations in funding hockey programs with a focus on child and community development.
Browning joined GTHL General Manager Peter Kourtis for the tournament’s hot stove interview, sharing his own experiences as a young athlete and his passion for supporting KidSport Ontario. Click here to watch the complete interview.
For more information on KidSport Ontario and the grant application process, visit kidsportcanada.ca/ontario/gthl.
ABOUT KIDSPORT ONTARIO
KidSport Ontario is the provincial arm of KidSport Canada, a national not-for-profit organization that provides financial assistance for registration fees to kids aged 18 and under. Through a confidential application process, KidSport provides grants that enable kids to play a season of sport through assistance with sport registration fees and equipment costs. KidSport believes that the power of sport participation promotes the development of children’s social, mental, and physical wellbeing. Through increasing access to quality sport programs, KidSport strengthens communities across Canada.
ABOUT THE GREATER TORONTO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Founded in 1911, the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) is a non-profit organization, home to more than 30 community recreational programs and the largest minor hockey league in the world. The GTHL registers more than 30,000 annual participants in Markham, Mississauga, Toronto, and Vaughan. The purpose of the GTHL is to empower, innovate, and provide hockey experiences that foster growth, inclusion, and excellence for all participants, while providing an enriching, equitable, and inclusive environment that benefits all members and the broader community.