Sporting good time

Photo: Darren Handschuh - File photo

Jumpstart wants children to have a sporting chance in life by helping them get involved with organized activities.

One in three Canadian families cannot afford to enrol their children in sports and recreational activities because of financial barriers. Jumpstart is a national charitable program dedicated to removing these barriers.

Through donations and fundraising events, Jumpstart helps make it possible for financially disadvantaged children to get in the game.

One of the driving forces behind Jumpstart is the Sport Chek line of sporting goods stores, which sponsors different events and collects donations for the charitable program.

This year, Jumpstart will be at Oyama Fun Days Sunday, June 5 to raise money and awareness of the program.

“All the staff and company as a whole are passionate about it,” said Vallerie Byrne, Sport Chek Kelowna Jumpstart amabassador.

Byrne and other volunteers will be operating the kid's carnival this year, featuring a variety of sports-themed activities such as basketball, baseball and other activities.

Participants are also eligible to win a variety of prizes worth hundreds of dollars.

Byrne said the money raised at the kid's carnival will be split 50-50 between Jumpstart and the Oyama Hall.

Of the money Jumpstart will receive, 100 per cent will stay in the Okanagan.

James McKay of Plan B Headquarters will also be setting up a portable hair salon where people can get haircuts and hair tattoos by donation, with all money raised going to Jumpstart.

Donations to Jumpstart can be made year round at Sport Chek, Canadian Tire and Mark's Work Warehouse.

Oyama Fun Days kicks off at 8 a.m. Sunday with a pancake breakfast, silent auction and raffle. The parade starts at 11 a.m. at Oyama General Store, finishing at Oyama Traditional School.

The afternoon features children’s field games and activities, historical displays, bounce zone, Bake Shoppe Tea, farmers market, entertainment, Oyama Legion open house and more.