In its four years of existence, Kayak 4 KidSport has quickly evolved into one of the most popular fundraisers for the local charity.
And if things continue to go as they have in the lead-up to the 2023 event, it’ll also be one of the most lucrative.
Thanks to the ongoing support of their sponsors, Kayak 4 KidSport will once again be able to offer kayak and canoe demos along with a barbecue lunch and a host of prizes draws -- including one for a new kayak from Boh’s Cycle -- free of charge to anyone who wishes to take part.
That’s on top of the highlight of the event, the Corporate Challenge races that will see local businesses go head-to-head to determine who has the best canoe team out there.
It all makes for fun day, and one that KidSport chair John Eberl hopes will once again draw plenty of interest.
“It’s really gratifying to see the traction we’ve been getting, and the Corporate Challenge part of it was really fun last year, so that’s really helped,” Eberl said of the event’s growing popularity. “Then families really enjoy the free kayaking and canoeing courtesy of Boh’s Cycle, and it’s been really good to see it continue to grow over the years.”
The 2023 event will take place on Sunday, July 16 in Wakamow Valley and will begin at 9 a.m. with the all-ages kayak and canoe demonstration that will see anyone interested able to get in a canoe or kayak and paddle around Plaxton Lake.
“All you have to do is show up,” Eberl said. “We ask for a donation of $10 per family, but we’re not going to turn anyone away. There will be a free lunch, their names will be entered for the prizes and they’ll get to try out kayaking and canoeing. Then we’ll have lifeguards to help it all stay safe and it’s always a lot of fun.”
The Corporate Challenge takes place at 11 a.m. and will feature boats racing in heats until the final at around 12 p.m., where the Corporate Champions will be crowned.
The Challenge has become one of the most popular parts of the day and there’s still time to enter a team if you wish. The entry fee is $250, with all proceeds going directly into KidSport’s coffers.
As for the race itself, well, expect to have fun.
“It’s just a simple, easy course, it’s a fun race and you could be in a canoe for the first time and still have a great time,” Eberl said, adding that 19 teams took part last year. It’s a big part of the event and a big part of the fundraising and we always appreciate the support.”
The day wraps up after the races, with the free barbecue taking place at 12 p.m. and the prize draws right after.
The event has enjoyed impressive sponsorship support throughout it’s existence, and 2023 is no exception. On top of Boh's Cycle and their work with the event, Henderson Insurance and Sandbox Mutual Insurance have pledged matching donations, which will also be matched by the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Club, SaskWater is sponsoring the Corporate Challenge and the Moose Jaw Co-Op is donating the barbecue lunch.
“We can’t say enough about the support of our sponsors,” Eberl said. “They make our life easy, they come out and participate and they’re wonderful.”
All that help means that KidSport can do what KidSport does.
In Moose Jaw, that translated into 265 kids registered for sports they otherwise might not have been able to play, to the tune of more than $65,000. And that number continues to grow every year as more families look for help keeping their kids active.
For more information on the event, including to register your Corporate Challenge team, give Eberl a shout at (306) 540-4153 or send an e-mail to kidsportmoosejaw@gmail.com.
