For immediate release
Fewer Children Denied, Thanks to Significant Pledge from Soccer Nova Scotia
HALIFAX, NS (April 1, 2010) – Soccer Nova Scotia announced today they are pledging 50 cents per player, to a maximum of $15,000 annually, to the KidSport™ program. KidSport™ helps children overcome the financial barriers limiting (or preventing) their participation in organized sport.
“Demand for funding has grown considerably,” says Jamie Ferguson, President and CEO of Sport Nova Scotia where the national program is administered for the province. “Last year alone there were 1,749 children in Nova Scotia who were able to participate in sport thanks to nearly $450,000 in KidSport™ funding. This represents a 291% increase in since 2004… We’re working hard to meet this demand.”
The program provides up to $300/year/child for sport registration and/or equipment. Ferguson says, “If we had it our way, no child in Nova Scotia would be denied the opportunity to play sports.”
Since 2004, nearly 1,200 children have joined soccer because of KidSport™ funding. George Athanasiou is the CEO of Soccer Nova Scotia. He says, “Over the years, I see thousands of kids experiencing the positive benefits of organized sport. I know some of our young players would simply not be there if it weren’t for KidSport™. We wanted to do our part to help.”
In the past Soccer Nova Scotia has supported other children’s causes such as SOS Canada, an organization that builds villages for underprivileged and orphaned children around the world. “Right now and for the foreseeable future, KidSport™ is our main thing.”
One-third of Canadian parents with children under the age of 18 have been unable to register their children in organized sports due to expenses. According to statistics, over 47,000 Nova Scotian children live below the poverty line. Due to the costs associated with playing organized sports, each year thousands of Nova Scotia's children are prevented from participating.
Studies show children who participate in sport are more likely to be healthy, do better in school, and less likely to break the law.
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For more information, please contact:
Carolyn Townsend
Director, Communications and Public Relations
902-425-5450 ext. 321
ctownsend@sportnovascotia.ca