With KidSport Westlock now officially open for business, any kid in this area who wants to take part in organized sports will get that opportunity.
Anthony Ferdinand, president of the local chapter, said he's proud to announce that after two years of fundraising, the group is ready to accept applications — thanks in no small part to support from the entire community.
"I think we always knew the support would be coming,” he said. "It's like anything — you put the work in, but the community has been so good that we knew they'd come through again. It was just a matter of time.”
The support has come in many forms — the Town of Westlock providing office space for the group, the Westlock Elks donating proceeds from one of their annual spaghetti suppers, businesses simply handing over cheques and, of course, the myriad fundraising efforts KidSport volunteers have put in like the recent magic show featuring John Kaplan.
What the launch means for local low-income families is that each child facing financial barriers to participate in sports can get $250 per sport, per year, towards registration fees.
This money is specifically available for registration fees, and will not cover any equipment related costs, but KidSport can help with that, too.
"We do have a partner that we work with our of Edmonton, the Brick Sport Central,” Ferdinand said.
"If the equipment part of things is a concern for a family, we can definitely get them in touch and they'll work with them wherever possible to make it happen.”
As for how many kids they expect to be able to help, they haven't set any specific goals — in the past five years anywhere from six to more than 20 kids from the Westlock area have been served by KidSport Alberta. The Westlock group hopes that by raising awareness about this service they can get more kids involved.
"We want every kid to be in sport who wants to be in sport,” he said. "If we get 50 kids coming through the door, or if we have 10, as long as we're able to help them overcome those financial barriers so they can take part in sports.”
While the group is looking to develop its own web page, currently application forms are available from the KidSport Canada website at www.kidsportcanada.ca/Alberta. Those applications will be redirected to the Westlock group.
Anyone looking to get involved or find out more information can visit the group's Facebook page, called "KidSport Westlock Chapter.”
