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Canadian Tire JumpsTarT This program works with various groups in the community to help kids engage in various recreational programs. Applications for assistance can typically be submitted from Jan. 15 to Nov. 1 with the goal of being equitably distributed over the year. The funding is distributed with a focus on maximizing the cost and length of participation per activity per child. Contact: WinnipegJumpstart@gcwcc.mb.ca or visit www.jumpstart.canadiantire.ca CiTy of Winnipeg's fee subsidy program Winnipeg residents in financial need are encouraged to request a fee subsidy to participate in Community Services Department programs and services. Fee subsidies are available for individuals of all ages, and applications are accepted all year. Contact: Call 311 or visit www.winnipeg.ca/cms/recreation/feewaivers.stm general CounCil of Winnipeg CommuniTy CenTres CommuniTy CenTre program regisTraTion fee subsidy This program was established in 1995 to assist children who require financial assistance to be able to participate in sport, leisure and recreational programming at their neighbourhood community centre. This subsidy is designed to assist those children who would not otherwise participate in community centre activities. Contact: 204-475-5008 or visit www.gcwcc.mb.ca KidsporT maniToba – Winnipeg region KidSport is a national charity administered by Sport Manitoba that is designed to help children, up to 18 years of age, overcome financial barriers to participating in sport. KidSport identifies needs in the community, raises funds, and supports programs that create new opportunities for young people to participate in sport. Contact: 204-925- 5922 or visit www.kidsportcanada.ca/manitoba/apply maniToba Camping assoCiaTion – sunshine fund Offered through the Manitoba Camping Association, the Sunshine Fund enables Manitoba children who do not have the financial means an opportunity to attend an accredited summer camp. Applications are accepted as early as January and the cut-off for applications is July 15. The number of children who can attend camp through the Sunshine Fund relies on the amount of funding received through public donations and agency grants. The fund's goal is to send 1,000 kids to summer camp each and every year. Contact: 204-784-1130 or visit www.mbcamping.ca/sunshine-fund.cfm maniToba Children and youTh opporTuniTies The Recreation Opportunities for Children (ROC) program links children to a wide variety of recreation opportunities that are based on the interests of the child, needs of the family, and availability of programming in the family's home community, and are sustainable for the family in the long term. In Winnipeg, the YMCA-YWCA is the community-based partner who works one-on-one with ROC families. Contact: Winnipeg ROC Program Co-ordinator, (204) 989-4110 access ccess ccess ccess ccess ccess ccess in in in in Winnipeg Winnipeg Winnipeg Winnipeg Winnipeg Winnipeg Winnipeg Winnipeg Winnipeg Winnipeg Winnipeg Winnipeg Winnipeg Winnipeg The list below provides a brief summary of some of the recreational support programs that can be found in Everyone Can Play: A Guide to Winnipeg Recreation and Sport Subsidies. For more information on these programs, download a copy of the guide from www.winnipeginmotion.ca. economic disadvantage are at higher risk for poor health. Moffatt and others, including Dr. Lawrence Elliott, Medical Director of Population and Public Health with the Winnipeg Health Region, say these factors underscore the importance of breaking down barriers to play for children. "Access to recreational opportunities plays a crucial role in early childhood development and ultimately leads to better quality of life," says Elliott. "By increasing confidence, success at school, skills interacting with others and by reducing negative behaviours, physical activity helps children participate more fully in their school and community, and eventually, the workforce." The good news is that efforts are underway to give more kids like Fira greater access to recreational activities. In 2012, a number of government and non-government groups – including The General Council of Winnipeg Community Centres, Sport Manitoba, Winnipeg Sport Alliance, Manitoba Physical Education Supervisors Association, City of Winnipeg Community Services and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority – joined together to create the Winnipeg Community Sport Policy. A guiding principle of the policy is that recreation, physical activity and sport opportunities "will be accessible, welcoming and socially inclusive for all citizens of all ages, all abilities and all socio-economic backgrounds." More recently, the group developed Everyone Can Play: A Guide to Winnipeg Recreation and Sport Subsidies, which lists various recreational subsidy programs for kids and how to access them. These efforts will not eliminate all the barriers kids face. But they do represent a good start. By working together, the Winnipeg Community Sport Policy partners and community organizations like Spence Neighbourhood Association are helping to ensure children like Fira will have better access to a full range of opportunities for physical activity. Not only will that help kids reach their full potential, it will also create healthier, safer and more equitable communities. Sarah Prowse is Manager of Physical Activity Promotion with the Winnipeg Health Region. 50 WAVE

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