How KidSport has been helping level the playing field for decades

Countless local families have figured they can only dream of registering their child for organized sport. 

But thanks to 30 years of KidSport, it’s become a reality, as $23 million has been raised for nearly 80,000 kids to move from the sidelines to the centre of the action. 

A noteworthy number of those young boys and girls have been able to get involved in summer or winter sport at WinSport. It’s part of an ongoing partnership in which both sides feel like a winner. 

“Really at the core of what we’re doing is being able to support kids into their sport of choice,” says Kevin Webster, CEO of KidSport Calgary & Area since 2014. “For us do be able to do that in our community, we rely on partnerships. The partnership we’re fortunate to have with WinSport given all the activities that happen here is very critical to what we’re able to do in leading kids down that path.” 

KidSport provides kids (ages 18 and under) with grants of up to $500 per year to play one of 50+ sports across the entire city. 

“As low-income families look to find the sport of their choice, they apply to us through our confidential application process,” Webster explains. “If they want to participate in activities at WinSport, we then work with their team to make sure there is space, and we send the funds here to support that activity.” 

In 2024, the organization put forward approximately $45,000 for 145 youth to get into programs exclusively at WinSport. 

On top of registration fees, equipment costs can also be covered. The charity’s regional chapter works with the Calgary Flames Sports Bank to issue gently used gear, and WinSport’s rental shop lends skis, snowboards, and skates. 

The KidSport Recycling Program has been another successful arrangement at WinSport for the past 12 years. The game plan goes this this: All funds from every refundable beverage container placed by guests into recycling bins are used to dish out an assist to kids when it comes to sports. 

And, in celebration of the organization’s 30th anniversary, KidSport will be utilizing the WinSport Event Centre on Sept. 13 for a special fundraising event featuring a performance from Canadian music icon Tom Cochrane. 

“We’re going to host our first-ever Sneakers & Dreamers Gala,” plugs Webster. “As we were looking to find a venue that could really help us tell our story, it made perfect sense to be right here at WinSport. Everyone will be wearing their nicest dress clothes along with their favourite sneakers for us to tell 30 years of history, as well as look to the next 30 years of helping more kids get the chance to play.” 

KidSport, with the backing of a trusted teammate in WinSport, will always look to aid local kids who may be down but don’t have to be out.  

“It raises huge profile within the sports community to be partnered with one of the best facilities in the country to tell the story of what we’re doing to help families access sport,” Webster encapsulates. “But also, to raise the conversation around more kids needing to play sports, breaking down the barriers some kids have, and showing the public what a real partnership can do. It makes it that much easier for families that need our help to be able to get that help and play the sports they love.” 

Click here for additional information on KidSport, including applying for a grant, donating to the cause, and learning more about the Sneakers & Dreamers Gala before tickets go on sale soon.