A $400,000 B.C. government grant to KidSport BC will help ensure all children in British Columbia have the opportunity to participate in sport, announced Burnaby North MLA Richard T. Lee on behalf of Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

Established in 1993, KidSport BC is a non-profit organization that helps kids 18 and under to participate in sport. The program enables children and youth to participate in a sport of their choice through confidential financial assistance. KidSport BC was the first organization of its kind in the country and has grown from fewer than 20 community chapters to more than 40 throughout the province.

Lee made the announcement at KidSport BC’s 5th annual Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Corporate Kids Challenge fundraiser. This year’s superhero-themed event was attended by some of B.C.’s elite athletes, including members of Canada’s World Cup silver medal women’s rugby team; members of Canada’s national women’s soccer team; as well as former BC Lion, Angus Reid, Olympic freestyle skier silver medalist, Kelsey Serwa, and Olympic rowing silver medalist Darcy Marquardt.

Since 2006, the B.C. government has invested more than $3 million in KidSport BC. In 2013, more than 6,700 kids received KidSport BC assistance with an average funding grant of $300.

Quote:

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

“By eliminating financial barriers for families, KidSport BC opens participation in sport to children who might not otherwise have that opportunity. The Government of British Columbia is pleased to support this important work with this $400,000 grant, so that many more B.C. kids can enjoy the enormous benefits of sport.”

Richard T. Lee, MLA for Burnaby North -

“When it comes to sport, every child should have the opportunity to play. Sport teaches the value of teamwork, the importance of striving for excellence and the rewards of determination and discipline. These qualities instilled in a child set the foundation for success in life and ultimately lead to building a stronger and more prosperous province for British Columbians.”

Peter Quevillon, KidSport BC director -

“The Government of British Columbia has been a long standing cornerstone partner of KidSport BC and their support enables our 41 community chapters and our provincial office to ensure that no child is left on the sidelines. In 2013, KidSport BC gave 6,700 B.C. kids the opportunity to participate in a season of organized sport. This tremendous partnership with the Government of B.C. allows us to continue to not only meet the increasing demand for our assistance but also to leverage those dollars within the corporate community at events like the Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Corporate Kids Challenge.”

Quick Facts:

In 2013, 6,741 kids were assisted by KidSport BC, an increase of 8.1% over the previous year.

• With the help of the B.C. government and other supporters, KidSport BC has expanded from fewer than 20 community chapters to more than 40.
• KidSport was established in 1993 by Sport BC.

Learn More:

KidSport BC: http://www.kidsportcanada.ca/british-columbia/

Media Contacts:

Communications
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 356-6334