CELEBRATE KIDSPORT™ WEEK MAY 7TH TO 14TH

The province is officially declaring that KidSport™ Week will take place May 7th-14th.

This declaration was followed by the announcement that Canada Life, Great-West Life and London Life have committed to be the presenting sponsor of KidSport™ Week over the next three years. KidSport™ Week was kicked off today with a barbeque in front of the Canada Life building in Regina from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

KidSport™ provides an opportunity for children from financially disadvantaged families to participate in community sport programs. Participation in sport helps children develop healthy, active lifestyles and to learn the fundamentals of teamwork, dedication and responsibility.

"The province is very proud to declare KidSport™ Week in Saskatchewan," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "Our youth are our future and we want to ensure that all children have the opportunity to be physically active. Over 24,000 children have benefited from this program. Participation in community sport programs helps to build strong families and strong communities and makes Saskatchewan a great place to live, work and play."

"We're proud of our partnership with KidSport™ Saskatchewan," Assistant Vice-President, Community Affairs, Canada Life, Great-West Life and London Life Jan Belanger said. "Our support is helping children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the physical and social benefits of participating in organized sports programs. By taking an active interest in our youth, we are helping to foster their fundamental growth for the long-term."

"These are very significant announcements for KidSport™," KidSport™ Saskatchewan Chair Don McDougall said. "KidSport™ Week is an opportunity to raise funds for our children's charity and let more people know about the benefits of participating in sport. Canada Life, Great-West Life and London Life are demonstrating true community leadership by making this substantial donation to KidSport™. Today, we are another step closer to ensuring that all kids can play."

To celebrate KidSport™ Week, a variety of events and activities are being planned. There will be 69 hotdog sales held in 29 communities across the province between May 7th - 14th. Twelve KidSport™ Communities will also be participating in Kompanies for Kids (dress-down days) during that week. The Powerade Fun & Fitness Corporate Challenge will be held Saturday, May 14th at the University of Regina.

KidSport™ Saskatchewan is governed by a volunteer provincial committee, which is responsible for the overall policy and operations of the program in the province. Local committees administer the program, develop fundraising initiatives and adjudicate funding requests at the local level. There are currently 36 local KidSport™ committees throughout the province.

For more information visit the website at www.kidsport.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967

Corilynn Nakonechny KidSport™ Regina Phone: (306) 780-9345