The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed May as KidSport Month. The celebration of the children’s charity, which will feature special events, fundraisers and festivities, began today with a kickoff at the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. 

“The KidSport program removes barriers and gives children the opportunity to participate in community sport programs,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “These are activities that help young people develop the self-confidence, discipline and skills they need to grow into healthy adults, and the next generation of leaders in our communities. It’s why the Government of Saskatchewan is proud to support this remarkable program.”

The Government of Saskatchewan provides funding in partnership with Sask Sport, through proceeds from Sask Lotteries.

At the kickoff, KidSport Saskatchewan honoured long time volunteers, Provincial KidSport Committee Chair Jerry Shoemaker and Dorothy Josephson, who have both served with the organization since it started in 1995. 

“Volunteering with KidSport for the past 30 years I’ve seen how the support of our partners, sponsors, donors and volunteers have been helping to eliminate the financial barriers associated with participation in sport for kids,” said Shoemaker. 

“We know that sport is more than a game and by giving kids the chance to participate in sport, we are providing opportunities to learn valuable life skills that will help them today and well into their future.”

At the kickoff, SaskEnergy was also announced as the official Champion of Volunteers for KidSport.

“SaskEnergy is proud to have a longstanding relationship with KidSport as we work together to support youth and volunteerism in Saskatchewan,” said Allix Schweitzer, SaskEnergy’s Supervisor of Community Engagement.

“With SaskEnergy celebrating our 25th anniversary as Saskatchewan’s Champion of Volunteers, it is fitting that we stand behind the more than 400 volunteers that continue to uphold KidSport’s 30-year tradition of providing young people across our province the chance to play.”

Proceeds from fundraisers during KidSport Month — and throughout the year — support children and youth from families facing financial obstacles allowing them to participate in some of the province’s most popular sports including soccer, hockey gymnastics, basketball and skating, as well as others.

The 39 Local KidSport Chapters across the province will host a variety of fundraising events and activities to celebrate KidSport Month in their communities, including:

To donate or learn more about KidSport visit: kidsportsask.ca or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @KidSportSK.