Province ups KidsSport investment by $547K

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 23, 2026.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

The province is adding $547,000 to an existing investment of $3.5 million to expand access to sports and recreation for children across the province through the KidSport program.

Last year, the Alberta government invested $8 million in the Every Kid Can Play Program and $3.5 million into KidSport. This new investment will directly support more than 1,500 additional children, the province says.

The Every Kid Can Play program is designed to address accessibility challenges and reduce financial pressures and supports for more than 130 participating provincial and community non-profit organizations across Alberta. Since its launch in 2023, it has supported more than 35,000 children registering for sports, including 12,000 in the last year.

KidSport Alberta provides eligible families with up to $350 per child to help cover registration fees for sports and recreational activities.

“KidSport Calgary is extremely proud and grateful of this partnership with the Government of Alberta and the Every Kid can Play Program. The program provides ongoing critical support to our KidSport Calgary chapter and has allowed us to continue serving families in Calgary and area,” said KidSport Calgary CEO Kevin Webster.

Webster says funding supported 5,000 local kids in 2025 to participate in their chosen sport.

Minister of Tourism and Sport Andrew Boitchenko says the funding will help even more families access sport and recreation across the province.

“Playing sports helps kids stay active, build confidence and learn essential skills. Our government is committed to removing financial barriers so children and youth can participate in the sport they love,” he said.

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