‘Play it Forward’ is a new program throughout the city and surrounding municipalities.
This initiative is a financial assistance program to help parents with the costs and fees into getting their child into recreational sports.
Nadine Devin is the Project Manager with the County of Middlesex and the Lead Coordinator for the ‘Play it Forward’ program. She gives more insight on what exactly the program is.a
“The programs intent is to help families whose finances may limit their ability to have their child, or their children to participate in sports. So, this particular program, what it does is it supports up to 35 per cent or the registration costs.”
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These costs would go to cover the registration costs recreational basketball, soccer and hockey. It gives children a chance to still be able to play the sports they enjoy, without their parents worrying too much about the price-tag.
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Devin is excited for what this program will do for the community.
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“We know how important sports are for children. Sports not only keeps kids physically active, but it’s so important for their social and emotional development. For families who are struggling financially, we want that same opportunity for those children, and so we just hope that this program will be able to help provide a little bit of support for those families. And then they can try to encourage their children to participate in the sports that they love.”
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But where did the idea, and the money come from to help support a program such as this one, where costs are reduced for families who are eligible?
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“Middlesex Dairy Producers was willing to donate $15,000 to the County of Middlesex to support the program. So after some further discussion, and some interest from the municipalities, the 8 municipalities across the county, we were able to launch the program.”
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For more information on if you’re family is eligible, you can visit the Middlesex website and find the Play it Forward logo.
