Residents in Prince Rupert are helping local children get into sports this month by participating in the annual MOVE430 Challenge. Throughout April 2026, the community is invited to join this virtual event, which challenges participants to be active for at least 30 minutes every day for 30 consecutive days.
All money raised during the challenge stays in Prince Rupert to help local families afford organized sports for their children. KidSport Prince Rupert provides grants of up to $400 per child each year to cover registration fees for kids 18 and under. These grants are intended to remove financial barriers that might otherwise keep youth from participating in activities like soccer, hockey, gymnastics, skating, swimming, and softball.
The local chapter, which became independent in 2022 with help from the Prince Rupert Port Authority, continues to see a need for this support. In 2024 alone, the group provided 71 grants to local families. Across British Columbia, demand for assistance has surged, with KidSport BC reporting that it distributed over $3.6 million in 2024. This represents a $1 million increase over the previous year and is double the total from 2022.
According to Angela Crowther, Director of KidSport BC, this sharp rise in demand has put pressure on the financial reserves of many local chapters. She noted that fundraising needs have grown significantly, making community-led efforts like the MOVE430 Challenge vital to keeping the program running for local youth.
KidSport Prince Rupert is managed by volunteer co-chairs Heidi De Wildt and Natalie Allen. Families interested in learning more about applying for a grant or the current fundraising challenge can contact the chapter at 250-624-6707 or via email at [email protected].
