Every youth deserves to participate in extracurricular activities. Locally Carlyle and Area KidSport intends to do just that as they work towards ensuring youth from the area are able to participate.
Statistics from KidSport show that in Canada show that more than 30 percent of Canadian youth under the age of 18 are unable to afford to play organized sport.
Their Mission Statement reads: “We believe that no kid should be left on the sidelines and all should be given the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of organized sports. KidSport provides support to children in order to remove financial barriers that prevent them from playing organized sport.”
The not-for-profit organization focuses on providing financial assistance for registration fees and equipment to kids that are aged 18 and under. A confidential application process ensures that kids in need are given the support to participate.
The Carlyle and Area KidSport chapter encompasses the communities of Carlyle, Arcola, Manor, and White Bear.
“KidSport believes in the values and benefits of kids playing organized sport and we know that sport will provide them with the opportunity to: become physically active, improve their self-esteem and self-confidence, learn life-long skills, improve their academic performance, make new friends, share and celebrate their culture, and contribute to a strong and healthy community.” ~ www.kidsportcanada.ca
Locally Carlyle and Area KidSport has been in operation since 2003.
“We have supported kids by covering the cost of registration fees for them to take parts in activities approved by KidSport Saskatchewan,” Shelley Sargent. “We have collected some used hockey equipment and figure skates over the years that families can access as well if needed and if we have the right size available.”
“Over the years we have paid registrations fees for the following activities: Soccer, Swimming, Baseball, Softball, Hockey, Figure Skating, Karate, Football, and Gymnastics.”
Over the past four years, Sargent explained that in 2014 they received 25 applications totaling $5,100, in 2015 there were 22 applications which covered $4,916, in 2016 there were 24 applications which covered $6,045 of costs for kids, and this year there have been 23 applications totaling $4,485.
“[We] have received an additional 18 applications this fall waiting approval totaling an additional $6,695,” Sargent added.
She further explained, “We receive a yearly operating and allocation grant from KidSport Saskatchewan. The majority of the funds come through local donations and/or fundraising opportunities.”
Thus, the Carlyle PureChem Cougars organizing a guaranteed 50/50 for $5,000 is a huge help in ensuring youth in the area are able to participate.
“I will be at the game on Nov. 3,” Sargent added. “We plan to have a KidSport tent set up and will have some giveaways for the kids such as stickers, balloons, tattoos, and Frisbees.”
For Sargent, she has been a part of it since 2003, “We have had various people give their time over the years to be a part of Carlyle KidSport. I have been fortunate to recruit a couple of new committee members, but would invite anyone interested in joining our committee to please let me know. It is a great opportunity to get involved in helping to support the youth and families of Carlyle and area.”
So, come on out to the Carlyle PureChem Cougars 2017/18 season opener on Friday, Nov. 3, against the Arcola Combines. Admission is FREE! So come on out and enjoy the game, while supporting two local teams, and KidSport.
