More children and youth will be able to get in the game and gain the benefits of sport and active living, thanks to the Province’s historic investment in Sport BC.

“Every child, regardless of their background, deserves a chance to get off the sidelines and lead a healthy and active life,” said Premier John Horgan. “Basketball and lacrosse were a huge part of my youth, instilling values that helped guide me down the right path. By removing financial barriers, more youth will be able to learn lifelong skills through sport.” 

The Province’s $2.5-million investment over the next three years will allow Sport BC to expand programs, such as KidSport BC, aimed at increasing participation by children who are often under-represented in sport, including children from lower-income families, Indigenous children, children and youth with disabilities, girls and newcomers to Canada.

“Getting kids involved in sport gives them a safe and healthy outlet. Sport provides them a way to get physically active while staying involved with their community,” said Ravi Kahlon, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Multiculturalism. “Sport BC programs help our young people gain confidence and leadership skills. With this investment from our government, more than a thousand kids all across our province will get the chance to reach their potential and develop healthy, active lifestyles early on.”

“Every child deserves the chance to be active and play sports,” said Rob Newman, president and CEO, Sport BC. “It provides a fun learning environment and helps children develop and grow through movement. At Sport BC, we believe that sport helps to build happier, healthier communities while providing important life lessons to children and youth. Sport BC is proud to partner with the Province to help provide programming for underprivileged children and youth across our province.”

Established in 1993 by Sport BC, the KidSport program provides confidential financial assistance to help kids 18 years of age and younger to participate in sport.

This investment will allow KidSport BC to increase access to amateur and recreational sport programs and expand the type of sport activities currently supported, including Indigenous sport and programs in non-mainstream sports. This new program is expected to launch in fall 2019.

“KidSport has revolutionized my life,” said Katelynn Ramage, national racewalking champion and former KidSport BC recipient. “Growing up, it was a battle between getting food on the table and paying the rent. Participating in sport was never in the picture. KidSport not only gave me the opportunity to participate in sport, but it also opened up a world of possibility. Because of sport, I was able to attain a university degree, represent my country and gain self-confidence, build lifelong relationships and realize my resilience. KidSport has lit a path that continues to shine brightly not only in my athletic endeavours, but also in all dimensions of my life.”

Quick Facts:

• Since the KidSport concept was launched by Sport BC in 1993, it has grown to become a successful national entity with 11 provincial and territorial chapters and over 180 community-based chapters that help more than 7,300 children and youth each year.
• Currently, the Province invests $400,000 annually in Sport BC to fund KidSport BC, which leverages an additional $2 million through community and provincial chapter fundraising.

Learn More:

Learn more about the programs offered by Sport BC: www.sportbc.com/

For a traditional Chinese translation, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/NR_KidSport_Funding_Announcement_traditional_Chinese.pdf

For a simplified Chinese translation, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/NR_KidSport_Funding_Simplified_Chinese.pdf

For a French translation, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/NR_KidSportFunding_FR.pdf

For a Punjabi translation, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/NR_KidSportFunding_Punjabi.pdf