Every kid deserves the opportunity to play sports and participate in recreational activities they love, no matter their financial situation. Alberta’s government is breaking down the financial barriers that often prevent kids from engaging in sport and recreation programs, including helping Alberta families access sport equipment needed to participate.
Through the Every Kid Can Play program, Alberta’s government is providing a total of $400,000 to Sport Central and the Calgary Flames Sports Bank, two non-profit organizations that provide donated sport equipment to families across the province.
“Sport should be accessible for everyone. Unfortunately, the cost of equipment can make participation in sport unaffordable for many families. By supporting organizations that share our government’s vision of sport being accessible to all, we're ensuring more kids can participate in the sports they love, regardless of their financial circumstances.”
“I am proud that our government is continuing to ensure sports are affordable and accessible for Alberta’s youth. By breaking down financial barriers in sport, we are ensuring kids across the province have the opportunity to build healthy habits for life.”
Edmonton’s Sport Central and the Calgary Flames Sports Bank collect, refurbish and distribute gently used sport gear to families in need across Alberta. In 2023, Sport Central provided sport equipment to more than 10,500 children in central and northern Alberta and in southern Alberta the Calgary Flames Sports Bank distributed more than 16,600 pieces of equipment to children.
“This support from the Government of Alberta will have tremendous impact far beyond the physical benefits. Kids will feel joy, inclusion and support. Sport Central is so very grateful for this support. Together, as partners and a community, we are doing everything possible to make sure every kid can play!”
“Our Calgary Flames Sports Bank and the thousands of very deserving youth who receive our support are thrilled about this announcement. This investment by the Government of Alberta is game-changing for the work we do in our community.”
The Every Kid Can Play Program allows eligible families to apply for a grant of $350 per child to offset their child's registration in sport and recreational activities. Applications to offset registration fees are available year-round through KidSport Alberta.
Provincial and community-level non-profit organizations can also apply for grant funding through the Every Kid Can Play program to increase access to their sport and recreation programming. Last year, Alberta’s government helped almost 10,000 children and youth register for the sports they love and supported 82 non-profits throughout the province. The deadline for provincial and community-level organizations to apply for Every Kid Can Play funding is July 31.
Related information
Related news
- Keeping sport affordable for Alberta families (June 18, 2024)
- Helping all kids pursue their passion in sports (March 5, 2024)