Antigonish, Nova Scotia — GoodLife Kids Foundation announced that Antigonish Challenger Baseball has been selected as a finalist in their National Win 4 Kids contest. As part of the contest, GoodLife Kids Foundation is giving away a total of $100,000 to programs across Canada that are helping kids have a healthier future.
After a National submission process, GoodLife Kids Foundation selected three finalists from Western, Central and Atlantic Canada. All nine finalists will receive grants but Canadians’ votes will determine the amount of the grants they receive. Based on the number of votes received in their region, organizations will receive a first place ($12,000), second place ($8,000) or third place ($5,000) grant. The organization that gets the most votes nationally, will receive an additional national winner prize of $25,000.
Online voting takes place February 1-28 at www.win4kids.com. Voters require a Facebook account to participate and are only allowed to vote once during the contest.
Antigonish Challenger Baseball is being developed as a partnership between the Antigonish Baseball Association and the Town of Antigonish. The program provides an opportunity for children with cognitive and physical special needs to enjoy the full benefits of participating in baseball at a level structured to their abilities. Games are played in a fun environment where no score is kept. Able-bodied ‘buddies’ are assigned to each participant and assist players with their involvement in the game. ‘Buddies’ create a safe environment and help participants with catching, throwing, batting and getting around the bases. The program is aimed to help children aged 4 to 18 develop physical and social skills, build self-esteem, make new friends, meet other kids and families in the community and become part of a team.
“The most important thing is that each participant is treated like every other minor baseball player. All players receive a uniform, use the same equipment and play their games at the local baseball fields. ‘Buddies’ are assigned to each player to help provide a safe and enjoyable experience,” said Randy Crouse, President of the Antigonish Baseball Association.
Challenger Baseball does more than provide opportunities for children with cognitive and/or physical special needs to play organized baseball. It also shows the community that children with special needs can play organized sports and allows youth and young adults to give back to the community by being 'buddies'. Being part of a sport like baseball enhances the lives of children with special needs and their families.
The goal is to register 30 or more children for the program in the first year and grow from there. Children will play once a week for a 10-week period over the summer. There will be special 'Baseball Days' when children and their families can participate in fun baseball-related activities. If there is enough interest and support, organizers hope to expand the program in 2015.
GoodLife Kids Foundation funding would be used to purchase baseball equipment, including helmets, bats, and coloured baseballs and beeping bases for individuals with visual impairments. It will also be used for field rentals, uniforms for children, shirts for volunteers, medals to recognize participants’ achievements at the end of the year, advertising to increase awareness of the program and educational efforts to reach volunteers and 'buddies'.
The majority of the grant funds to be awarded were generated through fundraising efforts by GoodLife Fitness staff, members, partners, friends and family at the national Spin4Kids event – Canada’s largest one-day spin-a-thon in support of GoodLife Kids Foundation. The finalists will receive their funding from Win 4 Kids at this year’s Spin4Kids event taking place across the country on Saturday, March 1st.
“The reality is that only seven percent of Canadian kids achieve the recommended amount of daily physical activity,” said Lisa Burrows, Executive Director of GoodLife Kids Foundation. “GoodLife Kids Foundation believes we can change that reality and that is why we are excited to be launching our first Win 4 Kids contest. Through support of fantastic organizations like our nine finalists, we can work towards our vision of providing every Canadian kid the opportunity to live a fit and healthy good life.”
*You are not able to vote via mobile or smart phone. Please use a laptop or desktop computer to vote.*
1. Go to www.win4kids.com
2. Click on the link - "Vote For Your Favorite Program"
3. You will be asked to sign into your Facebook account.
4. Once signed in, in order to vote you will need to 'Like' the GoodLife Kids Foundation page.
5. A note may pop up asking for the site to 'Access Your Friends'. This will not be used for junk mail. Feel safe pressing OK.
6. Once you 'Like' the page you will be able to vote for Antigonish Challenger Baseball.
You are able to vote once per Facebook account.
Voting takes place until February 28th.
Why should you vote? Our association believes that all kids should have the opportunity to participate in sports no matter their abilities or circumstances. The top place team in the country at the end of February will be awarded $37,000. These funds would support our program for numerous years. Even if you are not from Antigonish or don't care about baseball, please vote because your vote will help make a difference.
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