Local KidSport chapter has helped more than 5,000 kids

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on February 22, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

KidSport Medicine Hat & Redcliff has reached the million-dollar milestone for work supporting children to overcome financial barriers for participation in organized sport.

More than 5,000 local youth have benefited from grants since 1997, says KidSport, adding that one in three Canadians under the age of 18 face the unfortunate reality that they cannot afford to play organized sports.

In 2024, KidSport Medicine Hat & Redcliff helped approximately 370 children get off the sidelines and distributed more than $94,000 in grants to young athletes.

“Through our confidential application process, we are able to assist kids who would otherwise be unable to afford the costs of registration fees and equipment, allowing them to enjoy a full season of sport,” said board chair Connelly Sherwick. “We believe that the power of sport is transformative, helping children grow socially, mentally and physically. Our mission is simple: to ensure that no child is ever left watching from the sidelines.”

KidSport offers grants of up to $300 per child per year for registration fees and equipment costs, and in recent years has been able to offer more of these than ever thanks to the province’s Every Kid Can Play Program.

“During a record-breaking 2024, KidSport Alberta chapters supported more kids into sport programs than ever before and we would not have been able to do this without the incredible support of the Every Kid Can Play Program,” said KidSport Medicine Hat & Redcliff.

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