Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government is providing an additional $547,000 to KidSport Alberta to help more children participate in sports and recreational activities across the province. The move is part of ongoing efforts to remove financial barriers that prevent kids from joining teams, trying new activities, or accessing necessary equipment.
Sport and recreation are widely recognized as important for children’s physical health, confidence, and social development. Yet registration fees and gear costs often leave some children sidelined. Last year, Alberta invested $8 million through the Every Kid Can Play program to expand access to sports and recreation for young people. Of this, KidSport Alberta received $3.5 million, and the new funding will help over 1,500 additional kids get involved.
“Playing sports helps kids stay active, build confidence and learn essential skills. Our government is committed to removing financial barriers so children and youth can participate in the sports they love,” said Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport.
Launched in 2023, the Every Kid Can Play program supports more than 130 provincial and community non-profit organizations, addressing accessibility challenges and easing financial pressures for families. Since its inception, the program has enabled over 35,000 children to register for sports, with over 12,000 expected to benefit this year alone. Through KidSport Alberta, eligible families can receive up to $350 per child to help cover registration costs.
Kevin Webster, CEO of KidSport Calgary, highlighted the impact of the program locally, saying, “Through this funding, we supported 5,000 local kids in 2025 to participate in and benefit from the sport of their choice.”
Nick Davies, Executive Director of KidSport Alberta, added, “These funds will directly help more kids access organized sport, remove financial barriers for families, and increase sport participation across communities in our great province. This support ensures cost is never a reason a child is left on the sidelines.”
The additional investment aims to strengthen community participation in sports, foster healthy lifestyles, and give more Alberta children the opportunity to develop life skills through recreation.
