It can get expensive playing in Whistler, especially for families.
That’s the premise behind Kidsport Whistler. The organization channels funds to children 5- to 18-years-old in our community to help with sport registration or equipment costs.
Support from Kidsport Whistler’s title sponsor, the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation, has enabled the local organization to honour the Kidsport British Columbia motto: "So ALL kids can play."
Kidsport Whistler was established in 1996 and became the first community model in B.C. There are now 13 Kidsport organizations in the province, in the communities of Burnaby, Campbell River, Quesnel, Cranbrook, Kelowna, Mission, North Peace, Penticton, Vernon, North Vancouver and Victoria. The National organization has been strengthened to 10 provinces and territories with the addition of Ontario.
Due to additional support from 2010 LegaciesNow, Kidsport Whistler has broadened its mandate to provide support directly to local groups with recreational, developmental or competitive programs. Kidsport previously supported children from clubs with Sport B.C. affiliation. Now, local non-profit sport groups without B.C. Sport affiliation can establish a local chapter membership.
A percentage of Kidsport Whistler support is also set aside to support programs in Pemberton and Squamish.
Further details on the community grants that Kidsport Whistler offers will be available at the Strut Your Stuff Community Registration Fair, Sept. 6 at Whistler Secondary school, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Strut Your Stuff is a one-stop shop for local families to register for fall programs or to gather information about the numerous community sports organizations and events.
Community organizations are invited to host a table at Strut Your Stuff. Interactive displays, such as mini-games, video stations and on-going demonstrations, are encouraged.
To reserve a table call the Meadow Park Sports Centre at 604-935-PLAY. A small fee is charged to cover the advertising and set-up costs of Strut Your Stuff.
In addition to community tables, registration and Kidsport information, the Whistler Minor Hockey Association and Whistler Figure Skating will be operating a large equipment exchange in the multi-purpose room during Strut Your Stuff.
For details about Kidsport Whistler call Sheila Mozes at 604-935-9393 or Janet MacDonald at 604-932-0113. In Pemberton contact Stephanie Coughlin at 604-894-5979.
