Alberta’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, Joseph Schow, unveiled a robust support package aimed at breaking down financial barriers and fostering a healthier, more inclusive community in Edmonton.
Minister Schow acknowledged the tough choices many families face between essential expenses and enrolling their children in sports. He stressed the importance of sports in building confidence, resilience, teamwork, and fostering a sense of community and healthy habits into adulthood.
Reflecting on his personal experiences, Schow shared how playing basketball as a child profoundly influenced his life, underscoring the government’s dedication to ensuring all children have similar opportunities. “One of the saddest things in life is wasted potential,” he said. “We want to change the reality for families across the province.”
In a major step towards this goal, Schow announced a $400,000 funding boost through the Every Kid Can Play program. This funding will be divided between Sport Central and the Calgary Flames Sport Bank, two non-profit organizations dedicated to providing refurbished sports equipment to children in need across Alberta.
Sport Central’s CEO, Janna Tominuk, highlighted the organization’s long-standing mission to empower kids through sports equipment. She shared touching testimonials from parents and children who have benefited from their services, emphasizing the profound social and mental benefits of being active.
Brody Norton, Manager of Operations and Outreach for the Calgary Flames Sport Bank, recounted a moving story about assisting a Ukrainian family who had fled the war, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of their work. Norton expressed gratitude for the new funding, calling it “game-changing” for their ability to support marginalized children.
The announcement also celebrated the collaborative efforts between the government and community organizations. Scott Sinclair, MLA for Lesser Slave Lake, praised the volunteers and staff at Sport Central and the Calgary Flames Sport Bank, recognizing their invaluable contributions to making sports accessible for all children in Alberta.
Minister Schow’s commitment to supporting these organizations was evident as he highlighted their critical role in the community. “Sport is for everyone,” he said. “Alberta’s government is working hard to ensure that no child is forced to watch from the sidelines.”
As the event wrapped up, there was a palpable sense of optimism and excitement among attendees, hopeful that this initiative will create lasting positive changes for Alberta’s youth.
For more information on the Every Kid Can Play program and the organizations involved, visit the official websites of Sport Central (https://www.sportcentral.org/) and the Calgary Flames Sport Bank (https://www.flamessportsbank.ca/).