Fort McMurray Catholic School Division’s(FMCSD) Saints football team received vital support from a national recreation charity.
The team is one of 668 sports and recreation organizations in Canada to receive grant support through Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities.
Announced in September 2020, Jumpstart’s Sport Relief Fund totals $8-million.
The funds support teams, programs, and organizations, such as the FMCSD’s Saints, impacted by the COVID-19 economic crisis.
Head Coach Kevin Garbuio is thankful for the support as many community organizations shut their doors due to lost revenue and increased costs associated with COVID-19.
“We are beyond grateful to receive this news and know how positive of an impact it will have on sport and recreation organizations, and ultimately, on kids across the country. With Jumpstart’s support, we’ll continue to build our program and meet our athletes’ diverse needs.”
A Jumpstart nationwide survey of 1300 community sports organizations in Canada found 73 per cent have temporarily closed.
“The pandemic has put a significant strain on Canada’s recreational sport system,” Said Scott Fraser, President, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “As a Charity that enables inclusive sport and play to help build stronger and healthier communities, we are doing everything in our power to maintain opportunities for kids to get involved beyond COVID-19.”
More than 50 per cent of sports organizations will not resume operations until next year.
For more information on Jumpstart, go to their website.
