Kids across Oil Country are getting a grand total of $21 million in funding by 2030 through an initiative looking to reduce barriers for kids in sports. The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) announced Saturday that it’s investing the money into its Every Kid Deserves a Shot initiative. A media release from the EOCF said $14.1 million of that money has been invested to date, and $7.2 million has been committed over the next five years. The announcement was made in Fan Park at Ice District during EOCF’s Every Kid Deserves a Shot community day, a family-friendly day of bouncy castles, craft stations, community booths and Oilers alumni. “This transformational investment will ensure every kid has the opportunity to reach their full potential both on and off the ice,” said EOCF executive director Myrna Khan. “We’re excited to see the positive impact this additional multi-year funding will have in shaping brighter futures for kids and families for years to come.” EOCF committed $1.5 million to the Hockey Alberta Foundation, $3 million to Free Play for Kids and another $1 million to Sport Central by 2030. KidSport will also receive $1.7 million for their Oil Country Hockey Assist Program in season four. Janna Tominuk, CEO of Sport Central, noted in the release that the Every Kid Deserves a Shot initiative has made it possible for them to distribute almost 39,000 pieces of equipment in the last nine months. “The demand for no-cost sports equipment continues to rise, with a 74 per cent increase over the past two years,” Tominuk said. EOCF’s Every Kid Deserves a Shot initiative runs several of its own programs, including Oilers Hockey School and First Shift, while also supporting others with similar goals. Tim Adams, the executive director of Free Play for Kids, said the investment ensures kids not only get access to hockey, but to care and support. “When done well, sport is a powerful tool,” Adams said. “It brings people together, builds community and creates stability.”
