Keeping youth active and healthy through organized sport not only helps build better and stronger communities, but it reduces problems for youth such as future health problems.
However, because of financial barriers, or other factors some kids don’t get the same opportunity to participate in organized sport as others.
That is why I am so pleased to write this column to commend the work of the volunteers and organizers of the Williams Lake KidSport chapter for their efforts to keep youth right here in our community healthy and active.
KidSport is a charity that provides grants and financial assistance to families and their motto says it best, “So all kids can play!” They make such a difference helping young people who may not have the opportunity to play in the sports they love most.
Since the chapter was started seven years ago, they have raised over $100,000 and an average of 100 children in the Williams Lake region get the opportunity to play organized sports as a result of the efforts of these fantastic volunteers.
Every year the chapter raises money from the KidSport Classic run, which will be held this year on Sunday, June 22, 2014. The chapter has always had great support from the business and corporate community and the race last year had more than 230 participants. Application forms for this year’s race are available online at activewilliamslake.com.
Our government is committed to help build healthy and vibrant communities throughout the province, and right here in the Cariboo.
We will continue to make investments in youth sport through community grants and our province-wide Healthy Families BC initiative towards by informing families how to make health conscious decisions on a daily basis.
For more information about how you and your family can make healthy choices please visit healthyfamiliesbc.ca.
Donna Barnett is the Liberal MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin.
