Athletic kids ages six to 18 can benefit from Kidsport Nanaimo, which helps offset the often high-cost of registration. Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

By Spencer Sterritt

big win

Money from World Juniors games helps Nanaimo youth get into sports

May 11, 2019 | 12:00 AM

NANAIMO — Dozens of Nanaimo youth who are kept from playing sports due to the high cost of registration will now get a chance to become athletes and team players.

The sports charity Kidsport Nanaimo received a $9,000 donation this week, which will help offset registration fees in several sports for roughly 45 kids who otherwise couldn’t afford it.

Kurtis Bosecke of Kidsport Nanaimo said the donation will pay for $200 of registration fees per child ages six to 18.

“Two-hundred dollars goes a long way for the kids,” he told NanaimoNewsNOW after a cheque presentation. “It gives kids a chance to go out and learn life skills, like how to be part of a team and part of a community.”

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“We feel like we’re not only helping kids get into sports but we’re also helping grow kids’ futures.” _{Kurtis Bosecke}

Bosecke said the money will also help children stay in sports, since many fees increase as they advance into more senior leagues.

The money was donated by the organizing committee of the 2018 World Junior Championships exhibition games played in Nanaimo.

Trish Smith from the committee said the games sold out in six minutes and exceeded their expectations.

Fundraising volunteer Virginia Bruker said a one-time donation of this size is “massive.”

“Last year Kidsport Nanaimo funded 140 children at $300 a sport. We have a long ways to go but this is absolutely a great help.”

A full list of sports accepted by Kidsport Nanaimo and how to apply can be found online.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit