National not-for-profit aims to raise $250,000 and help bring the power of sport Full Circle

November 25, 2020 – WINNIPEG, MB – KidSport™ has launched their ninth annual Give the Gift of Sport™ fundraising campaign, calling on Canadians to donate online at KidSport.ca/GiftofSport. Over 30 percent of Canadian youth under the age of 18 cannot afford to play organized sport. With the support of the Government of Canada, corporate partners, and the generosity of donors across the country, KidSport’s annual campaign—running until January 4, 2021—aims to get more kids off the sidelines, into the game, and experience the gift of sport. 

“Organized sport provides our children with so many benefits. We know it can help them be healthier, but it can also help them with things like their education and social development,” says Jamie Ferguson, Chair of KidSport.

“In essence, sport can provide our children with a head start on life. At KidSport we believe every child deserves that chance. Please give to our Give the Gift of Sport campaign and help make more head starts happen.”

The power of sport is in how it shapes us in those special moments – in the memories cherished today and stories told tomorrow.  It nurtures our growth and strengthens our communities.

“I was a KidSport Kid growing up, they literally helped pay for my registration to keep me on the field when I was younger, so they’re definitely a part of my story,” says two-time Olympian, professional Soccer player, past KidSport grant recipient, and current KidSport Manitoba Ambassador, Desiree Scott.

“KidSport is there to remove that barrier financially and allow people just to enjoy the sport and get on the field and do what they love. Sport changes lives, it absolutely does, it’s changed mine, kept me out of trouble, keeps me fit, learning life skills, motivation, leadership skills, all of that good stuff. Staying in sport is so important and I’m happy I can call it my job and hopefully inspire people to stick with sport.”

Since its creation in 1993, KidSport has disbursed over $84M and helped over 930,000 kids from coast to coast to coast receive grants and sport introduction programming. Bryan Ezako, KidSport Canada National Manager says that now more than ever, kids need sport!  “Not only for the thrill of the game, but to help strengthen their mental and emotional health. Families are facing financial strains like never before, so we need to work together to ensure all kids get to experience the joys of being part of a team,” Ezako adds. 

This year, by giving the gift of sport that you received as a kid, you can help create lasting memories and fill the gap for other kids who want to play. Help bring the power of sport Full Circle and Give the Gift of Sport at KidSport.ca/GiftofSport where personal, corporate or tribute donations can be directed to any of KidSport’s 166 community chapters.

About
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 at 145 Pacific Avenue in Winnipeg, Sport Manitoba partners with over 100 organizations to deliver sport in the province and is responsible for programs including the Manitoba Games powered by Manitoba Hydro, Sport Manitoba Coaching, Team Manitoba, Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, Fit Kids Healthy Kids, and KidSport. Services provided include the Sport Manitoba Clinic, Sport Manitoba Performance, Sport Manitoba Fitness Centre, and the Paul Robson Resource Centre for Leadership and Coaching. 

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. Through a confidential application process grants are given so they can play a season of sport. Learn more about KidSport and join the holiday conversation on Twitter @KidSportWpg and #GiftofSport, Facebook.com/KidSportWpg, Instagram @KidSportWpg or online at KidSport.ca/GiftofSport.  

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For more information please contact:
Cassidy Nicholls
Provincial Coordinator
KidSport Manitoba
204-293-3012
cassidy.nicholls@sportmanitoba.ca

OR

Sarah Tone
Communications Coordinator
Sport Manitoba
431-778-5796
sarah.tone@sportmanitoba.ca