OMHA Partners with KidSport Ontario to Help Remove Financial Barriers
Submitted By OMHA on Fri 05 12, 23
The Ontario Minor Hockey Association is excited to partner with
KidSport Ontario for the first time in its history to help provide a
resource to remove some of the financial barriers for families.
KidSport provides funding for children under the age of 18 to
participate in a full season of sport. In 2019, the organization offered
more than $8.3 million to kids across Canada. KidSport believes when
kids have access to sport they improve in school, become stronger
leaders, create safer communities, ignite inclusivity and fuel healthy
habits for life.
“KidSport Ontario plays a crucial role in ensuring no family misses out on the benefits of sports because of financial barriers,” said Ian Taylor, the Executive Director of the OMHA. “We appreciate the fact kids today have many choices for how they spend their leisure time. Like us, KidSport believes that having kids playing hockey leads to a sense of belonging and a connection to local communities, on top of the physical, mental,
and social health benefits.”
“The sport landscape is in a challenging state right now. More kids than ever before have been left out of participating because costs are
increasing quicker every year.” said Sara Restani, Program Manager at KidSport Ontario. “In order for teams, leagues, and programs to continue growing, we need to provide access to as many kids as we can. KidSport Ontario and its local community chapters across the province are
connecting more families to our grant program this year to ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation.”
KidSport Ontario will be providing grants of up to $300 per eligible kid, per year (January 1st - December 31st) towards hockey registration fees.
With one in three children in Canada unable to afford the cost of participating in sports, KidSport Ontario is well-situated with 20 community chapters across the province. By providing funding for children facing financial hardships, sport clubs are able to expand their programming to include those who normally would not have been able to sign up.
KidSport Ontario will have representatives on site at specific upcoming OMHA Championships to answer any questions and accept any donations to help more youth participate in organized sport.
For more information on eligibility, or to fill out an application, please visit www.kidsportcanada.ca/ontario
If you're interested in making a donation, please click here.