Arnprior Launches Youth Kayaking Program thanks to Jumpstart Sport Relief Fund Grant

The Town of Arnprior is excited to announce the launch of a youth kayaking program with grant support received through the latest round of Jumpstart’s Sport Relief Fund. Arnprior is one of over 500 sport and recreation organizations nationally to benefit from this grant program.

“We are grateful to Jumpstart and our local Canadian Tire store for supporting our application for a youth kayaking program,” said Graeme Ivory, Director of Recreation. “To be able to offer a new program like this where participants will learn a new activity while exploring the beautiful shorelines along the Ottawa River is fantastic.”

In February, Canadian Tire Corporation announced an additional $12 million commitment to Jumpstart’s Sport Relief Fund to help sport and recreation organizations build back sport and play in Canada. The Town of Arnprior applied for equipment which includes kayaks, personal flotation devices (PFDs) and safety kits to allow staff to offer an introduction to kayaking course.

Registration for the youth kayak program is now open online with the program starting July 21. Spaces are limited and is open to youth aged 12-17. The program will run at the McLean Avenue Beach making for safe and easy access into the water. Certified kayak instructor Nathan Bonselaar will lead the introductory program.

Jumpstart conducted a State of Sport study via Ipsos which revealed the pandemic has not only impacted current access to sport and play but has real long-term effects as well. The Town of Arnprior and the communities it serves have experienced the impact of the pandemic first-hand.

“This program is vital in our return to recreation roadmap. The equipment we’ve received will also have ongoing benefits through our recreation Lending Hub allowing youth to continue to explore their interests in watersport activities,” Ivory added. “This is also a program that provides a safe environment operating outdoors with participants in their own kayak with ample space to spread out on the water.”

To date, Jumpstart has already disbursed over $9 million in funding to more than 800 organizations across Canada through the Sport Relief Fund. The Town of Arnprior is beyond grateful to receive this funding and knows the positive impact it will have on sport and recreation.

For more information, please email or call the Nick Smith Centre.