The national KidSport goal that no kid should be left on the sidelines has been given a local boost this month. Registrations and equipment costs can be financial barriers that sometimes prevent kids from participating in organized sport. The Nelson KidSport chapter has been running since 2007 and to date has allocated $83,000 to 580 local kids for sport registration fees and a further $2500 for e
quipment. Most of that money was raised locally and stays local to support athletes in this community. The many financial supporters include large donors such as Provincial government, CBT, banks and service clubs but also local kids who give up their birthday gift money and loot bags to help families through KidSport. At its April 25, 2013 meeting, KidSport Nelson approved an increase in its annual grants from $200 to $250 per athlete, beginning April 1, 2013. Athletes can apply more than once in a calendar year to the maximum grant amount (now $250). That means if they play soccer for a $110 cost the reminder can be put toward another sport within that same year. In addition, due to a required change in reporting to KidSport BC, KidSport Nelson will have two funding periods for 2013-14. Thus, athletes from 6 to 18 years of age, with financial needs, will have access to: $250 from April 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 and $250 from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. KidSport Nelson plans to review its financial position in December 2013 to determine if grant allocations can be increased further. Nelson’s chapter is run by a committee of volunteers that ensure that the local funds that are raised are used to help local children play sports.
