By Jeff LeDrew – Director of Marketing and Events

Confidence. Teamwork. Friendships. The list of reasons why children should participate in sport is extensive. In addition to the obvious health benefits, many life skills such as communication, work ethic and leadership are acquired through participation in sport. Research shows that kids who participate in sport do better in school and are less likely to get in trouble with the law. These are facts.

For many parents, the decision to register their children in organized sport is an easy one. They understand the advantages and want their children to receive the many life benefits associated with participation in organized sport. Who wouldn’t want their children to grow up with confidence and friends while acquiring life skills such as communication, leadership and hard work? Sounds like an easy decision, right? Not necessarily. For many parents, the decision might be difficult. Let’s face it, life is expensive and so is sport. Faced with the harsh reality of putting food on the table or registering their children in sport, unfortunately for many, sport takes a back seat.  

Rewind to 1994. Sport Nova Scotia takes a major step toward helping families with these difficult decisions by introducing KidSport, a new program dedicated to removing financial obstacles to participation in sport. The concept was simple — grants for sport equipment or registration to families who need help. Online wasn’t a thing back then so families were required to submit a bright yellow paper application form along with hand written letters of support. KidSport’s slogan, So ALL Kids Can Play, was the motivating force behind the program and remains so today.  

Fast forward to 2024. KidSport Nova Scotia hits a major milestone, celebrating 30 years of helping children get in the game. Thanks to the generous support of donors, sponsors and especially the Province of Nova Scotia, KidSport has come a long way since those early years. KidSport will set a new record this year and allocate $1.4 million to 3,300 children across Nova Scotia. This year also marks another significant accomplishment. More than 40,000 children have now been helped to get off the sidelines and in the game since the introduction of that bright yellow application form.

We are proud of these accomplishments. Thirty years and 40,000 children helped, not too shabby.  There is much to be proud of but much more to be done. Many more families still need our help.  Sport Nova Scotia’s vision is that every single Nova Scotian has lifelong opportunities to experience the positive benefits of sport. Through programs like KidSport, we work to ensure all young Nova Scotians who want the opportunity to participate in sport will get it. We feel strongly that all Nova Scotia kids deserve to have the opportunity to learn new life skills, grow with confidence and make new friends. 

This month, KidSport Nova Scotia and KidSport chapters across Canada have launched their annual Give the Gift of Sport campaign to encourage new donations so even more children can receive those amazing life benefits associated with participating in sport.  You can help a child this holiday season by giving the gift of sport at www.kidsport.ca.