KidSport offers relief in tough economic times

Submitted by
KidSport Rainy River

The hot topic of discussion these days is how the cost of everything is going up, largely tied to the increasingly high cost of gas. Here in our own community the cost to keep our kids healthy and active are becoming out of reach for more and more families. Not so long ago when faced with paying the bills and putting food on the table some parents were forced to say “No” to their kids who wanted to play in one or several of the organized sports made available right here at home.
Remember Sports – as a kid? For many of us it shaped our direction and our sense of belonging. We learned to work with others. We learned about winning, about losing and about just having fun. How many of us have dreamed about being a hockey player, a great dancer, or an Olympic swimmer? Those dreams helped build in us a healthy sense of our future. Our kids need those dreams – they need to be involved.
When parents can’t afford to put their kids into sports not only do the kids suffer but communities suffer too. Less children participating means less revenue for our sport organizations which makes it very difficult for them to cover costs and continue to operate for the kids. Without additional sources of money we could see many of our youth focused activities disappear. Since the KidSport Rainy River chapter came into being it has been a source of funds for kids and sport in this area. All families can now afford to say “Yes” to their kids. Now “all kids can play” because KidSport Ontario is committed to helping families overcome the social and economic barriers to participating in organized sport. They accomplish this through a grant that helps with cost of registration fees and equipment. Funding for KidSport Rainy River comes from KidSport Ontario. Local donations are also always encouraged and greatly appreciated. The more money there is the more kids that can be funded. All monies raised in the area stay in the area and tax receipts are issued.
. Last year KidSport Rainy River spent over $3000.00 in this end of the district enabling 24 children, from Rainy River to Big Grassy to Stratton, to participate in hockey, high school sports, figure skating, swimming lessons, dance and soccer.
In the last year, besides funding individual children in specific sports, KidSport Rainy River also hosted a very successful “FunZone”, where 70 kids and their families were introduced to a wide variety of sports, and a coaching clinic, helping 12 people receive their NCCAP coaching qualifications. Supporting local families and local sport to promote a healthy active lifestyle is what KidSport is all about.
Our kids are the future. Organized sports and physical activity don’t just make us healthy –they makes us better prepared for life. Healthy play helps kids develop leadership and social skills, set personal goals, learn to work and play as a team and builds self-esteem. Kids who are engaging kids in organized, healthy play are less likely to have time to be temped by destructive influences. Busy healthy kids make Rainy River and area a better place to live.
Fitness is a problem for our kids. Obesity, some say; is at an epidemic level. .Childhood diabetes and other diseases are increasing at alarming rates. We know that fitness activities have a positive impact on the body. Fit kids are healthier, stronger and less at risk of developing numerous debilitating and life threatening diseases. Our kids are at risk. The couch, the game systems and the computer are sometimes the only activities available especially during the cold Rainy River months. Keeping kids off the streets and off the couch will help build a better future for our community.
This year KidSport Rainy River is excited about the upcoming season. The committee is working with the Rainy River Walleye Tournament committee to put on the Kids Fishing Tournament, planning our second “FunZone” for October 25th, and a fundraising Supper and Variety show for November 16th, so mark your calendars and watch for details.
Have you ever thought about making a difference in our world? Wondered if you could make you community a better place? YOU CAN... One kid at a time! Help KidSport help our kids to grow into team players, confident leaders, and strong healthy citizens. Help kids get involved in (school) sports so they stay in school and stay out of trouble. Help make our community a better place to live and one families will want to stay in.
Donations can be sent to KidSport Rainy River, P.O. Box 618 Rainy River, ON P0W 1L0 or contact Veldron Vogan (852-3978) or Rebecca Tolen (852-3284).
Families wanting to apply for the grant can get applications off of our website HYPERLINK “http://www.kidsport.on.ca” http://www.kidsport.on.ca , from the Northwestern Health Unit, Rainy River Town Office, or their local school office.