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Making sport more affordable

Nelson sport clubs are mostly run by volunteers without whom registration and other operation costs would be much higher than they are.

Nelson sport clubs are mostly run by volunteers without whom registration and other operation costs would be much higher than they are.

Such is the case for the Nelson Speed Skating Club whose volunteer club is hosting its second annual mini-meet at the Nelson and District Community Complex on October 15. Clubs from the major Okanagan centres are coming to compete against our club competitors aged six years to the masters.

Racing runs from 1 to 5 p.m. and is open for all interested to view and cheer on the locals.

The speed skating club is always open to new members in both recreational and competitive categories and ages range from five to adult and masters. The club meets every Monday and Thursday at 4:20 p.m. for dryland training, 5:15 to 6 p.m. for Train 2 Train and 6 to 7 p.m. for seniors and masters. Costs are $290 for one day per week, $376 for two days per week with a family rate of $1,000. Interested persons can go to the NDCC on Monday or Thursday to register and be fitted for skates (available for rent at $65 per season) or contact Bruce at 250-352-7110.

 

Even with the costs being kept as low as possible, sport and recreation participation often takes a back seat when basic family finances get tight. However, it doesn’t have to, with local assistance available through various local sources.

Recognizing the importance of early development Success by Six offers assistance for children up to six years of age and covers various activities as well as sport. Call 250-352-6712 or go to successby6wk.com for application forms and specific criteria.

Jumpstart is a Canadian Tire program that covers fees for a physical activity (not just sport) up to $300 within the Nelson region. Application times are twice a year, with November being the fall/winter sport deadline. Call the Castlegar store and/or go to jumpstart.canadiantire.ca for more details.

The RDCK leisure access program offers 50 per cent reduction in admission fees for eligible families. Information and application forms are available at NDCC.

KidSport Nelson covers participants living in RDCK areas E, F, H and the City of Nelson. Applicants living in our general region but outside those specific areas may apply to KidSport BC. The annual $200 assistance is available for children ages six to 18 and the activities they choose must demonstrate a sustained sport experience (i.e. a season of sport led by a qualified coach). It must also be a sport activity provided by a non-profit sport organization affiliated member of Sport BC. For information on which sports are eligible for coverage go to sportbc.com/get-involved/all-sports or call the local chapter 250-352-3989. For full Nelson criteria and guidelines go to nelsonsports.ca/kidsport-nelson.