By Sam Cortes, Communications Coordinator
Sport Manitoba offers a wide range of grants that emphasize training and skill development to facilitate the growth of athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers across the province.
The Skill Development Grant was used in Ritchot, Manitoba to assist with the cost of bringing some Provincial Sport Organizations (PSOs) into their summer camps for kids aged six to 12.
“We wanted to get some exposure to sports that aren’t necessarily the classic after-school [sports], or ones that kids aren’t usually involved in,” said Liam Harder, Recreation Programs Coordinator for the Municipality of Ritchot. “So we usually stay away from the baseball, soccer, hockey, and we focus more on [sports like] lacrosse, badminton, fencing.”
Liam emphasized a sport like lacrosse is one of Canada’s national sports, though most kids have never had the opportunity to try it out.
Multi-Sport Back by Popular Demand
Run in Richot for three consecutive years now, the three-week multi-sport program has been one of their summer camp’s most popular components, Liam said.
And the feedback has been positive, with certain sports capturing the interests of kids as they try something different.
“It’s going to vary based on the sport, obviously – just like something like fencing. I think we had maybe six out of the 24 that were really interested in it. And then we had others like cricket, where they really weren’t sure about it to start, and then once they got into it, and understood the rules and game play, everyone was really well involved with it and told us that they quite enjoyed the sport and were hoping to be able to try it again.”
Accessible Sport to Stay Active for Life
Liam believe the ability to provide youth in Ritchot the opportunity to get active and play sport at a young age can play a role in carrying that right through their entire lives.
And it can also facilitate a connection to the more intangible values of sport, like the social, mental, and emotional benefits.
“I think it makes a big difference. One of the tenants of sport and education is that keeping them occupied with these activities and building that foundation can really assist kids in all aspects of their lives as they grow.”
Bringing Sport to Rural Manitoba
You can bring the same sport experience to your community.
“If you’re thinking of trying something or trying to bring something into your community, reach out to the various [PSOs] we have in Manitoba. Many of them are more than willing to work very closely with you to bring whatever sport you want to your community. And it’s usually either at a subsidized, free, or very affordable cost. So if you have an idea, give it a try, it might be the opportunity that someone’s been looking for.”
For more information on Sport Manitoba’s grants, including funding opportunities for sport, and coach and athlete scholarships, visit our website: https://www.sportmanitoba.ca/resources/funding/
