Support for children’s and youth sports and recreation was gathered during the seventh annual KidSport Stettler St. Patrick’s Gala dinner and auction March 13 at Stettler Community Hall.
“We raised about $38,000, which is down slightly from last year,” said president Barb Wilfort, noting that the event was virtually sold out with 270 people.
“All funds raised locally stay in the community.”
About $40,000 was raised last year.
Serving the community since fall 2003, KidSport Stettler provides funds to low-income families with financial obstacles to enable children and youth ages five years to 18 years to participate in community sports and recreation.
“Last year, we funded 191 applications and distributed $57,000,” said Wilfort.
“Our applications were up 44 percent over the previous year and that was reflected on the economic downturn.”
“We believe KidSport is important to our region to allow children to participate in sports and give them the opportunity that they wouldn’t have without this funding.”
Kidsport has been able to support over 600 children to participate in sports and recreation since it started.
Families with financial obstacles living in the Town of Stettler or County of Stettler are eligible to receive funds of up to $750 annually per athlete for registration fees.
School sports are not eligible.
Funding is available for activities that demonstrate a sustained sport experience with qualified instructors.
KidSport Stettler has been able to fund youth in 13 different sports including hockey, figure skating, dance, horseback riding, baseball, soccer, Tae Kwon Do, and swimming.
Businesses and corporations are able to become a sponsor with an annual contribution of $500.
KidSport was launched in Alberta in 1995 at the AGT March of Champions Torch Relay en route to the Canada Winter Games in Grande Prairie.
Since then, KidSport Alberta has assisted more than 25,000 children to become involved in sports programs who would otherwise not have been able to play without the help of KidSport.