Alberta government to invest $8M to support kids in sports

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The Government of Alberta said it is committed to making sport and recreation accessible and affordable for families through the Every Kid Can Play grant program. If Budget 2024 is passed, the program will see an investment of $8 million in funding.

Executive director of KidSport Alberta, Kelly Oehlerking, said last year the Alberta government launched the Every Kid Can Play program, which saw funding of over $3 million.

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“I’m happy to announce that KidSport Alberta has already helped over 8,300 kids play the sport of their choice through this program, distributing over $2.3 million in registration fee subsidies,” she said.

Oehlerking said the proposed budget represents a significant commitment from the Alberta government to supporting low-income families and ensuring that every child in the province has the opportunity to participate in sports.

“We know that playing sports has a tremendous positive impact on children’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. And we are excited to continue to work together to make these benefits accessible to more children.”

Important for kids to have access to sport: minister

In 2022, the Alberta government invested $4.5 million in the Return to Play program, aimed at dismantling financial barriers to sports and recreation. The Every Kid Can Play program is an extension of its success.

Minister of Tourism and Sport Joseph Schow said that the funding will empower sport and recreational organizations to provide quality and affordable sport programming for children and youth.

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“We know that active kids and healthy kids become active and healthy adults. That’s why we believe it’s important for people — especially kids — to be able to access sport, physical activity, and recreation programs without barriers.”

Schow remarked that he has heard a number of stories where the program has made a significant impact on people’s lives.

“Just the other day, I spoke with a parent whose daughter would not have been able to participate in swimming without the Every Kid Can Play grant. Thanks to the Government of Alberta’s support for kids’ sports, she’s also able to tell her daughter that she can participate in the sports that she loves,” he said, adding that as a former athlete himself, he knows the importance of sports for children growing up.

“It teaches teamwork, builds confidence, and promotes healthy lifestyles that can last well into adulthood. The next generation of Albertans will shape the future of our province, and we’re focusing on nurturing them and providing them with the opportunities to live healthy, active lives.”

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‘It will mean so much’

Minister of Children and Family Services Searle Turton said he is “amazed” to see that the initiative has already benefited thousands of children and hundreds of programs across the province.

“Every young Albertan deserves the chance to explore their creativity, express themselves freely, and make positive connections with peers, their own families, and communities through sport and recreation, regardless of their family’s finances,” he said.

Turton said mentorship in a sports setting ensures children feel welcome and included and allows them to grow and have every opportunity and success.

“I’m so grateful for this further investment in our kids through Budget 2024,” Turton said. “And I know it will mean so much to parents who’ve been wondering how they will be able to afford their kids’ favourite sports and extracurriculars while staying on top of their bills.”

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