Relaunch of Sport Aurora program puts youth in the game

All Kids Can Play initiative complements similar assistance programs

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 11, 2019
John Cudmore

No child should be on the sidelines because the cost to play is beyond reach.

All Kids Can Play aims to ensure children have access to physical activity opportunities by helping defray costs for families requiring financial assistance.

The Sport Aurora initiative was relaunched Nov. 5 after a hiatus of a few months in conjunction with Aurora-based not-for-profit charitable organization, Welcoming Arms.

“It’s really an investment in children to be more active and involved,” said Sport Aurora co-chair Ron Weese. “Kids need to be on teams with their friends. We encourage multi-sport involvement.”

Aurora is an affluent community with a comparatively high household income. However, financial aid is required to help some families provide their children a chance to be participants.

Through donations and sponsors from community groups, businesses and individuals, the initiative has raised more than $60,000 and helped enable 259 children to participate in healthy lifestyles since its launch in 2012.

The focus is on instructional and recreational level programs and participation.

“It’s a delicate thing to find people,” said Weese. “Often families in need are sensitive about reaching out for help.”

The brief reset was intended to enhance fundraising, public awareness and distribution.

An Aurora family who attended the relaunch of the program held at Welcoming Arms, who also wished not to be named, intends to apply to the program.

"Without this community support my son wouldn't be able to play floor hockey or participate in other active programs," the mother said. "With the partnership with Welcoming Arms it will be more accessible, we won't have to fill out two different forms."

She feels it is important for her 11-year-old son to have this opportunity to exercise, learn to interact with others and be part of a team.

Many youth sports organizations help ease the financial burden through internal initiatives, including subsidies. Additionally, similar programs including Canadian Tire’s Jump Start aid in creating opportunities for youths to be active.

“It is not to replace that at all,” said Weese. “It is simply to encourage more people to come forward and participate. It’s important for kids to be out and playing with their friends and not have financial barriers blocking them.”

More information is available on websites for Sportaurora.ca and Welcomingarms.ca.