Physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle regardless of age, and it's even more essential for children. Physical activity helps children develop strength, flexibility, healthy weight and cardiovascular fitness. Unfortunately, participation in some youth sports leagues and activities is beyond the financial resources of many families. That’s where Sports for Kids Timmins comes in.
The Sports for Kids Timmins mandate is to focus on creating conditions that enable and support children and youth to participate in sports, recreation and physical activities. Established in 2001, the federally registered volunteer run charity has allocated over $800,500 to ensure more than 4,500 local children in the Timmins area could receive all the benefits associated with constructive sport and recreation opportunities.
“We believe that no child should be denied the tremendous associated benefits of being involved in sports,” said Colleen Landers President and founding member of Sports for Kids Timmins. “So far this year, we’ve helped 125 children in 221 sports opportunities, allocating more than $45,000.”
Sports for Kids Timmins does not provide team sponsorships. Instead, they fund individual children ages 4 through 18 whose family or guardian requires financial assistance to ensure their child can participate. Each applicant must provide requisite documentation that includes Notice of Assessment for all adults supporting the child, pay stubs or social assistance stubs for the month prior to the application, and a completed application and parental agreement that is found on the organization’s website. Parents and guardians must show they meet the gross family income levels for funding.
For example, to receive funding for one child the income threshold would be a maximum of $41,000 for one child, for two children $45,000, and for three children $50,000 and four or more children $54,000.
“Each parent/guardian has to make an application,” explained Landers. “The application is reviewed; financials are checked, and income levels verified. Once approved a voucher is given to the family so they can register their child in the sport of their choice.”
Registration begins each year in November as many sports start in January. According to Landers, the final deadline for registering in 2024 is rapidly approaching. That means time is of the essence for any family hoping to register youth in sport.
“Sports for Kids Timmins 2024 applications close September 15th so if you’re applying for fall/winter sports please act now,” said Landers.
The only sports left for fall/winter applications are: hockey, martial arts, swimming, bowling, figure skating, fitness alternatives, gym membership (14-18 years), selects basketball, ringette, cross country skiing/biathlon, ski racers and indoor soccer. All applications must be emailed to [email protected] prior to the September deadline
Sports for Kids Timmins host several fundraising initiatives throughout the year including a newly established golf tournament, which has raised over $50,000 in just two years. The organization is extremely thankful for the generous support it receives from the local business community.
For more information and ways, you can help support the organization, visit Sports for Kids Timmins online.