LangfordB次元官网网址檚 MacKenna Renaud-Kehoe, 11, has a passion for gymnastics that extends back to when she was four years old.

She trains at LionB次元官网网址檚 Pride Gymnastics and after years of determination now competes at the provincial level. In March she reached her pinnacle when she placed first all-around at the Orca Invitational in Duncan.

Renaud-KehoeB次元官网网址檚 story is one of passion and success, but for her mother, Francina Kehoe, a single parent, it comes with a cost, specifically around $5,000 a year for training and travel.

B次元官网网址淓very year, because sheB次元官网网址檚 at a competitive level now, itB次元官网网址檚 become increasingly expensive,B次元官网网址� Kehoe said. B次元官网网址淚 was always struggling with making the payments on time. But she loves it.B次元官网网址�

Last year Kehoe heard by word of mouth about the SportsAssist program in Langford. She applied, and the program agreed to fund KehoeB次元官网网址檚 daughter to the tune of $750. Along with another grant from a Victoria-based assistance program, KehoeB次元官网网址檚 monthly costs for her daughterB次元官网网址檚 sporting passion are down about $100.

B次元官网网址淭hat made a big difference, because I struggle to give her that opportunity,B次元官网网址� Kehoe said. B次元官网网址淎ny help is so appreciated. B次元官网网址� WeB次元官网网址檙e really excited to see where she goes with it and as long as she wants to do it, IB次元官网网址檒l do my best to support her.B次元官网网址�

Now in its sixth year as a program in Langford, SportsAssist is helping 85 local youth to take part in a wide variety of sporting activities this year alone. The number of youth supported by the non-profit organization has increased substantially every year since itB次元官网网址檚 start with 10 young athletes.

B次元官网网址淥ur goal is to give every kid a chance to play a sport,B次元官网网址� said Gerry St. Cyr, the programB次元官网网址檚 founder and president. B次元官网网址淭hese kids are kept on the straight and narrow, have some type of coaching direction and have that camaraderie with other kids. B次元官网网址� ThatB次元官网网址檚 why SportsAssist is there.B次元官网网址�

The level of help provided depends on costs associated with an individual sport and the level of need of the family applying. There is a wide range of support levels.

Money for the program comes purely from fundraising and the support of local businesses and individuals, there is no government funding. Every year the program hosts a golf tournament, which is the primary source of funding. Other events, such as a ball tournament and barbecues, help raise money.

St. Cyr said he recently caught up with one of the first young people the program helped in its first year. This person received funding to help him play hockey for five years. HeB次元官网网址檚 now 20, working a good job and plays in an adult league, which he pays for himself.

B次元官网网址淲ithout being able to play sports, he doesnB次元官网网址檛 know where he would have went. Sports kept him out of trouble,B次元官网网址� St. Cyr said. B次元官网网址淚 know that kids are better kids if theyB次元官网网址檙e involved in sports.B次元官网网址�

For more information on the program, or to donate or apply to it, visit sportassist.ca or email info@sportassist.ca.