Government of Saskatchewan Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, Laura Ross, proclaimed May as KidSport Month in Saskatchewan. The month-long campaign, which will feature COVID-safe fundraisers and celebrations, begins on May 1.

“Sport and recreation plays such an important role in the health and well-being for children and youth,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. “Participation in sport at a young age teaches life skills that will help our children in all aspects of life and has positive effects on both their mental and physical development. Thank you to KidSport for allowing children in our province to participate by assisting with financial barriers.”

In 2020, even with COVID-19 restrictions and the different look of many organized sports, KidSport Saskatchewan granted $656,050 to assist 3,751 children and youth in province to get off the sidelines and into the game. That’s in addition to the over $13 million raised and more than 150,000 kids helped since KidSport in Saskatchewan started in 1995.

“We’re grateful for the continued support of our partners, sponsors, donors and volunteers who help us to eliminate the financial barriers associated with participation in organized sport,” said Jerry Shoemaker, Provincial KidSport Committee Chair. “By giving kids the chance to experience the power of sport, we are providing them with the opportunities to learn skills and lessons that can help them throughout their lives.”

To help fundraise, the 40 local KidSport chapters across the province will host a variety of fundraising events and activities, following COVID-19 regulations, including: 

Marty Goertzen of Martensville is working to complete the KidSport Playhouse, the grand prize in a fundraising raffle for the Martensville and Warman KidSport charities

* Martensville and Warman KidSport kick off ticket sales for the annual KidSport Playhouse Raffle. The 100-square-foot playhouse, which doubles as a storage shed, will be on display by the end of May at the Martensville A&W restaurant. Tickets cost $5 each or three for $10 and can be purcahsed online at www.warmankidsport.ca .

* KidSport Regina and Saskatoon chapters will host virtual Corporate Challenges, which will see businesses compete against one another in weekly activities. 

* In partnership with Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, KidSport Saskatchewan will hold an online charity auction from May 20-26. The auction includes sports memorabilia and a variety of items from businesses across Saskatchewan.

* On May 25, the lights at Mosaic Stadium will go yellow in support of KidSport. Other businesses and organizations in the province are encouraged to shine on for KidSport, by lighting up yellow or putting KidSport’s logo on digital signs.

To donate, or learn more about KidSport visit: kidsport.ca/sk or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @KidSportSK.