ALL kids should have the opportunity to run, kick, skate and swim, North Vancouver non-profit Athletics for Kids believes.
Now a $5,000 donation from Neptune Terminals will help get more kids into the pool.
Funds from Neptune Terminals helped enroll more than 40 children in swim lessons in 2011. With this year's gift from the commodity-handling company, Athletics for Kids hopes even more youngsters will dive in.
"(Neptune Terminals) donations help us make sure that all North Shore kids have an opportunity to get in the pool and learn such an important life lesson such as swimming," said Athletics for Kids executive director Derek Mayson in a press release.
Learning how to swim is not only fun ¬- it's a life-saving skill. Because of that, the organization will fund 100 per cent of instruction fees, compared to the 80 per cent it normally covers for other sports. There is no deadline to apply, said Mayson, but families do need to send in their application before the swimming lessons start.
Families can qualify to receive financial help from Athletics for Kids if their income is under $40,000 or if they're on social assistance. Children in foster care are also eligible.
To apply for the program, parents or guardians can go to the organization's web site and download an application form. They must also include a reference from a sponsor and proof of their income.
For more information, see www.a4k.ca.
