Members of Ponoka’s community and KidSport Alberta are working hard to establish a chapter in Ponoka.
KidSport is a national non-profit organization that works to get youth playing the sports they want by helping overcome financial difficulties and other obstacles.
An informational meeting is being hosted at the Ponoka Youth Centre Oct. 24 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. to educate people on what a program in Ponoka would entail.
“What we’re going to do is put a board together,” said Jackie MacGregor, chapter supporter. “At this point we just want to get people involved.”
Ponoka has three people committed to a board but MacGregor says they’re hoping for 12.
The board members would review applications from Ponoka’s youth who want to play sports but don’t have the financial means.
MacGregor believes with a local chapter the children will have a better chance of being helped by the program. Presently applications from Ponoka go to KidSport Alberta and each youth accepted is given approximately $250, said MacGregor.
“What we’re looking to do is have our own local chapter so we can have more control where the money goes,” said MacGregor.
Once a board is established and applications are in order the program is hoping local businesses will want to sponsor Ponoka’s youths, so that more can play and hopefully pay less to do so.
KidSport Alberta representative Kristin Glass, chapter support co-ordinator, will attended the informational meeting to present an idea of what a program in Ponoka would look like.
For more information about the meeting contact Jackie MacGregor at 403-899-2292.