Children To Receive Help With Cost of Sports
More children are about to become team players. Sport Nova Scotia and the Department of Community Services are teaming up to support KidSport, a program that provides funding to low-income families to help children participate in organized sports.
"Community Services' direct connection to many families who would qualify for this kind of assistance will help even more children take part in sports," said David Morse, Minister of Community Services. "This partnership reinforces our commitment to helping children lead healthy and active lives."
In 2004, the province invested $330,000 in KidSport Nova Scotia to help more children get involved in sports.
As a result of the new partnership, Community Services' staff who work with children and families will be able to send KidSport applications for eligible children directly to Sport Nova Scotia. Families will not have to provide further proof of income to Sport Nova Scotia if the application comes through Community Services.
"We are very excited about our partnership with Community Services," said Jamie Ferguson, CEO, Sport Nova Scotia. "Community Services' involvement means more children and families will learn about the program. The streamlined application process will help address yet another barrier to participation in sport while ensuring we are supporting the children who need it most."
Application forms will continue to be processed by Sport Nova Scotia and funding will be distributed by that organization.
KidSport will provide up to $300 per year per child for equipment or registration fees. Recipients must be under 19 years of age. Applications are accepted four times throughout the calendar year. The next deadline is April 1.
KidSport Nova Scotia was formed in 1994 to give all children the opportunity to grow, learn and live healthy through sport. Since the program was created, KidSport has allocated more than $550,000 to children in need. The fund is generated through provincial government contributions, corporate sponsorship, private donations and fundraising.
For more information on KidSport, visit www.sportnovascotia.ca .