The work of local KidSport Bow Valley organizers was recognized with an award earlier this month from KidSport Alberta.
The Brian Henderson Award was established two years ago to recognize a KidSport chapter in the province that has demonstrated strong leadership, connected with community partners and demonstrated continued growth.
Henderson was a founding member of KidSport Vegreville and the award was created in his memory.
Former KidSport Bow Valley chair Glenn Naylor said the award was a surprise for the non-profit organization.
“It was a surprise and it really validates what is happening here in Canmore,” Naylor said. “I suspected right off the bat we had a lot of kids that needed help and we proved that in the first year with over 100 kids.
“For a community our size, we are at the top of the pile for funding kids.”
The Bow Valley chapter began on April 1, 2010 and Naylor said the numbers have consistently increased since that year. In 2013, it paid up to $500 per child for sports registration for 76 girls and 67 boys in 13 different sports.
“We continue to grow year after year with more and more kids as the word gets out we are here,” he added. “KidSport Bow Valley can help struggling families get their kids to participate in sports.
“We need approximately $45,000 to $50,000 per year that we have to fundraise for in order to accommodate the growing need and we feel over time it will just keep slowly increasing, so it is a never ending task.
“The need is immense and I think the pressures on families is immense in the valley because of the cost of living.”
The organization provides funding for sports, which does not include equipment or transportation, for children in the MD of Bighorn, Kananaskis Country, Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise.
Naylor began the organization and has sat as chair since it launched, but has recently stepped down. He feels it is time for new ideas and vision for the organization.
“I will still be involved in KidSport, but not in the capacity of the board,” he said. “I think it would be really good to have new ideas and new input.
“We are looking for anyone interested in participating in KidSport Bow Valley. It is not a big time commitment, but we are looking for new board members.”
In addition to fresh blood on the board, the organization would like to establish a list of those who could help volunteer at events like Canada Day and fundraisers.
Anyone interested in more information or getting involved can email [email protected] or go to the organization’s Facebook page.
