Hundreds on Calgary kids took part in an exercise initiative on Thursday that helps to get them off the sidelines and into the game.
Participating in sports can be an expensive commitment for many Canadian families and one in three can’t afford to put their kids into organized sports.
A national initiative is hoping to change that and was created to help provide financial support to those who need it for registration, equipment and transportation.
“This charity is a great thing. It jumps in. It helps those kids get into the game where they may not have the ability otherwise,” said Cam Munro, Associate Vice-President, FGL Sports Ltd. “It gives them something to do during the summer. Today we’ll send every kid home with a few goodies including a soccer ball so it’s going to live on past today, so they get home and they have something.”
Jumpstart is now in its 10th season and the goal is to give children between the ages of four and 18 an opportunity to try a variety of sports.
“This is my second year coming here so and I’m really excited,” said 11-year-old Breena Burrill. “I’m really happy to be here because very few people get to come here.”
“It’s very fun here,” said John Burrill, aged nine. “We have lots of friends here and they play games like Bubblegum.”
“I like trying new things,” said Nyuon Wuor, 11.
“Today we have eight stations. There’s dodgeball, soccer, there’s a golf lesson on the other side. There’s kickball, there’s KIN-Ball, where you have that monster ball and they push it around, that’s one of the favourites. Facepainting, we have a lunch station, so they’re going to be running non-stop from 10 until 3:30 today,” said Munro.
Over 170 volunteers pitched in to make the day of sport happen and organizers say parents are pleased with the program.
“They’re very thankful. Just thankful for the opportunity and a lot of them, over the course of the year, had a couple of events that their kids would get to, or sports their kids would get to partake in because of Jumpstart and it changes the kids,” said Munro.
Jumpstart has helped over 1 million children since 2005 and supports over 73 sports.
For more information on the program or to make a donation, click HERE.
