The Biggar Minor Hockey Association and Biggar Minor Ball Association have been fortunate to receive grant funding through the SLGA’s charitable gaming grants. In late September, the hockey association was awarded $2,775.48, while the ball association received $2,213.70 in funding, which was announced on the final day of November.
In an exclusive interview with WestCentralOnline, Coady Dehr, President of Biggar Minor Hockey, expressed the significance of the funding for their organization. He stated that their primary objective in applying for the grant was to secure essential funds to support their operations.
Dehr emphasized that the association’s main focus is to minimize costs to ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate in hockey. He stated, “We don’t want the cost to become a barrier for some families. If we can secure around $2500, given that we have about 100 members, this will help keep our costs down.”
The financial support from the grant has allowed the association to maintain affordable fees for its members. Dehr proudly noted that they have not increased their fees for children to play hockey in Biggar for a decade, and the recent funding has significantly contributed to this achievement.
Furthermore, having a substantial fund balance enables organizations like Biggar Minor Hockey to lessen their reliance on the local community for financial support. Dehr acknowledged the importance of community support and highlighted their preference to reserve this assistance for unforeseen circumstances or unexpected expenses.
The recent release of the charitable gaming grants list for the province also included other sports groups, such as Delisle Minor Ball, Kerrobert Minor Ball, and the Rosetown Minor Athletic Association. The funding received by these local sports organizations will undoubtedly have a positive impact on their respective operations.
In conclusion, the funding obtained by the Biggar Minor Hockey Association and Biggar Minor Ball Association represents a significant advancement in ensuring the sustainability and accessibility of minor sports in the region. The support provided through the SLGA’s charitable gaming grants will enable these organizations to continue their valuable contributions to the community and offer opportunities for children to engage in sports activities.