KidSport seeks support as demand grows

KidSport Crowsnest Pass asked municipal council to consider long term support for the program as demand grows and the cost of youth sports continues to rise.

Kean Mitchell, chair of KidSport Crowsnest Pass, and Marty Neumeier, treasurer, appeared before Crowsnest Pass council during the April 28 regular meeting. The pair provided an update on grant volume, spending increases and the ski and snowboard equipment lending library connected to Pass PowderKeg.

Mitchell said KidSport Canada is a national not for profit organization that helps children from families facing financial barriers take part in organized sport. He said the Crowsnest Pass chapter has been active since about 2002, when it was established.

Mitchell and Neumeier have administered the local chapter for the past five years.

“One of our initial and ongoing challenges has been local awareness and knowledge of what KidSport is and does,” said Mitchell.

He said the organization has worked to increase awareness by attending community registration nights, meeting with sports organizations and connecting with school administrators. He said those groups are often the first point of contact for families who may need help.

“All of this over the last few years has resulted in a considerable increase in the number of applications and approved grants for financial support,” said Mitchell.

Neumeier said pulling the data together for the council presentation showed how much the program has grown.

“It’s been quite eye opening to actually pull some of the data together for this presentation,” said Neumeier.

He said the program distributed about $12,000 last year, which was a record year. He said the current year is already about 45 per cent ahead of last year’s numbers.

Based on current trends, he projected the program could reach about $17,000 in grants this year.

Neumeier said about 40 per cent of the program’s spending goes directly back into municipal programs, including Pass PowderKeg. Mitchell said KidSport has also supported swimming lessons, hockey, fitness and kickboxing, municipal summer camps, lacrosse, Taekwondo, minor ball, soccer, Nordic skiing, gymnastics, kayaking, dance, skating, basketball, volleyball and school sports programs.

The delegation also highlighted the ski and snowboard equipment lending library at Pass PowderKeg.

Mitchell said the initiative grew out of efforts by the Pass PowderKeg Ski Society to increase the number of local children able to ski and snowboard. In 2021, the society reached out to KidSport Alberta, which led to a memorandum of understanding allowing the local chapter to approve grants for Pass PowderKeg season passes, school sponsored ski and snowboard lessons and rental equipment when needed.

Neumeier said season passes alone did not remove every barrier for families.

“Equipment is a barrier now,” said Neumeier.

He said the ski society received a $21,000 Government of Alberta grant to help establish the lending library. The program also received a $1,000 municipal Category 3 grant last year.

The lending library includes about 40 pairs of skis, 50 pairs of boots, eight snowboards and boots, ski poles and about 40 helmets. Mitchell said equipment was provided to 10 children during the soft launch year.

He said helmets and goggles are given to children to keep for sanitation reasons, which means the program will need ongoing replacement funding.

Mitchell said ski and snowboard equipment wears out at different rates depending on use. Some equipment may last four to six years, while other items used more aggressively may need replacement sooner.

Neumeier said KidSport is beginning to operate near a deficit because demand is rising and some funding sources are uncertain. He said much of the recent growth was made possible by Government of Alberta funding aimed at helping youth return to sport after the COVID 19 pandemic, but the continuation of that funding is decided year to year.

“We don’t know what the longevity of it is,” said Neumeier.

Mitchell said the organization’s goal is to keep KidSport Crowsnest Pass financially sustainable so all children can play.

“Given the substantial use of municipal recreation programmes and facilities by KidSport grant recipients. We’re seeking help to make these opportunities available,” said Mitchell.

The delegation asked council to consider KidSport when its Category Grant application is submitted later in 2026. It also asked council to consider establishing a standing budget line item to support the program.

Councillor Darren Nastasi asked whether the program still supports hockey. Neumeier said any coached or instructed sport can be eligible.

Mitchell said the local hockey program has received support in the past, though fewer applications have come through recently because local hockey fees had been reduced through other funding. He said that could change if those funds run out.

Councillor Tony Vastenhout said he had previously been involved with KidSport for 10 years with Drain and thanked Mitchell and Neumeier for keeping the program going.

“It’s very rewarding to see the kids that need it can go out into sports,” said Vastenhout.

Councillor Doreen Glavin said she has long supported efforts to make skiing more accessible for local children.

“I think all the kids from kindergarten to grade 3 should be able to ski for free,” said Glavin.

Councillor Colleen MacDonald said youth sports are important because they get children away from screens and into positive environments.

“If as a family you can put your kids in ski programs, it creates good kids,” said MacDonald.

Council did not make a funding decision during the delegation, but the request is expected to return during future budget discussions.