Sport Manitoba – April 9, 2018 – Winnipeg, MB – KidSport Winnipeg is very pleased to announce David and Ruth Asper have partnered with KidSport Winnipeg and will support the ninth annual Doug Brown Football Camp with a $15,000 donation.

The camp takes place Sunday, May 12, 2018 and is open to athletes in Manitoba who received funding in 2017 from KidSport in order to play football. Prior to the camp, the 3rd Annual Media & Celebrity Challenge will take place where members of the local community will square off against each other to test their skills in a mini-football combine.

“It’s a pleasure to support KidSport Winnipeg and Doug’s camp again this year,” said David Asper. “We believe all kids should be given the opportunity to participate and are delighted we can help get kids active and healthy.”

Brown, along with a number of current and retired CFL players will be taking kids through all the elements of a football combine, as well as position-specific fundamental drills, and exercises.  

“It’s always a question of who the camp is most rewarding for: the kids, the players, or all the volunteers.” said Brown. “It’s just a fantastic experience and opportunity for the kids to get exposure to current and former players and everybody always leaves with a smile on their face—unlike the challenge. I’d like to thank the Aspers for yet another year of being the title sponsor and helping the kids in our community. They are long-time supporters of football in Winnipeg and understand the importance of what KidSport provides to those facing financial barriers to sport. They are, and have been, a tremendous addition to our team!”

Since 2010 over 700 kids from across Manitoba have attended the camp. The camp is free to all participants and is also supported by The Axworthy Health & RecPlex, KB2 Clothing, Boston Pizza, Save-On-Foods, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. 

“The ninth annual Doug Brown Football Camp is a great example of business, non-profit, media, sport celebrities, and volunteers all working together for the greater good of kids in Winnipeg”, said Rick McGregor, Co-Chair, KidSport Winnipeg. “The generosity of the Aspers along with the significant investment of time from Doug, and former and current Winnipeg Blue Bombers are all important components that have contributed to the on-going success of this camp for Winnipeg kids. KidSport volunteers from the community provide the important final piece to allow us to provide an atmosphere where the kids at the camp can learn football skills, techniques, and most importantly, the value of hard work and team work from former pros in a safe and encouraging environment.”

The camp will take place at the Axworthy Health & RecPlex at the University of Winnipeg.

About

KidSport is a national charity administered in Manitoba by Sport Manitoba which provides support to children in order to remove financial barriers that prevent them from playing organized sport. KidSport believes that no kid should be left on the sidelines and all should be given the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of organized sports.

Sport Manitoba is a not-for-profit organization and the lead planning, programming, and funding agency for the development of amateur sport in Manitoba. Located in the Canada Games Sport for Life Centre, Sport Manitoba partners with over 100 organizations to deliver sport in our province and is responsible for programs including the Manitoba Games powered by Manitoba Hydro, Coaching Manitoba, Team Manitoba, Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, Fit Kids Healthy Kids, and KidSport.  Services provided include the Sport Medicine Clinic, Sport Performance Centre, and the Paul Robson Resource Centre for Leadership and Coaching.
   

For more information please contact:
Christine Hoenisch – KidSport Winnipeg
W: 204.925.5922    C: 204.296.2826
kswinnipeg@sportmanitoba.ca