Most golf clubs across Saskatchewan have junior programs whether it’s through a local professional, a volunteer in the community or through the course manager. One draw back for parents or guardians however is lessons and programs come with a cost.
That’s where programs such as Kidsport or Jumpstart come into play allowing kids less fortunate to do that, play. Kidsport itself will assist in funding for almost 60 different sports and activities including golf. In discussion with the organization at their Saskatoon office they said funding is available for kids taking lessons and for people looking to start or continue youth golf activities.
Kidsport is a non-profit organization funded by stakeholders and events. Jumpstart is a program carried out by the Canadian Tire brand. According to the Jumpstart website, over 284,000 kids across Canada have been assisted getting into sports. For confidentiality purposes names aren’t released. A single mother from Humboldt benefited from the Kidsport organization. She was assisted by the local chapter with hockey fees for her eight-year-old son. She said the benefits go beyond the dollars.
“It eases my mind knowing that even behind the financial contribution that they offer to help with fees, they can help you find used equipment or a discount on new equipment at local stores. The cost of my son’s sports doesn’t stop at registration and team fees. There are also many road trips and tournaments, so the reoccurring costs can add up. Benefits from Kidsport allow me to better budget my money by providing a lump sum payment right when the season starts, which takes a great deal off my shoulders,” she said.
Anyone seeking information on the programs can find more on the Kidsport website and on Jumpstart’s page. Applications can be downloaded on both websites, again the process is confidential. Another single mother from the Prince Albert area said Kidsport was a huge help in her eight-year-old daughter’s hockey fees and her 11-year-old daughter’s gymnastic fees.
“I think Kidsport is a wonderful program. My daughters have a chance to play and participate in something they love and get physical activity. I may not be able to do on my own as a single mother,” she said.