Children's Program
The application form for the Helping Kids Play Sports is under the drop-down menu on this page. Simply click on "Apply of Funds" and an application will be loaded. Simply download or drop and drag on to your desktop, print the form and complete it.
To return the completed form you have several options:
1. You may scan the completed form and e-mail an attachment to mshof@eastlink.ca Please put HKPS in the subject line.
2. Fax the completed form to 902-576-2095.
3. Surface mail it to: Helping Kids Play Sports Program, Maritime Sport Hall of Fame, PO Box 36075, Halifax, NS B3J 3S9
If you have any questions, or if you wish a form mailed or e-mailed to you, please telephone 902-576-2055
The application forms for this program are available now and the first grants of $2000 were presented on June 22, 2016; a follow-up program adding four more awards was completed in June 2017, 2018 and 2019. The next set of grants onvolved formal presentations in 2021 and 2022 , with 2023-4 in progress Currently. The next induction is schedulaed for Sept 27, 2023 as the the province of Nova Scotia's lifts its recommendations for gatherings/crowds.
Applications for 2023 or 2024 may be sent at any time, with further grants being considered for both years.
NB: If someone requires or prefers a Word version of the Application Form please send an e-mail or call 902-576-2055.
Brief History of MSHOF and “Helping Kids Play Sports”
When the initial discussions took place regarding the idea of the Maritime Sports hall of Fame, it was clear that the organizers wished to take a very different approach … from simply recognizing sports heroes or legends, but to choose groups or individuals that made a significant difference in sport, as well as in the society around them ... in other words, we wanted great sportsmen and sportswomen women who could be role models for generations to come.
As that discussion progressed, it almost immediately went to the issues facing kids today in playing sports due to the high cost of participation. According to reliable estimates at least 1/3 of all kids cannot participate in sports or cultural activities, coming from families where finances are barely enough to cover the essentials of life.
We realize corporations such as Canadian Tire, BMO, Scotia Bank, and others support youth teams in Canada, but many kids cannot even hope to participate on such teams, let alone individual sports in their own community.
And today Kidsport Nova Scotia and local charities do their best to support individual children to play sports.
However, it was not always that way. In the past public schools had recreational, sporting, and cultural activities such as music and theatre for all children. Cities and towns provided sporting fields, arenas, courts and pools at little or no cost. Associations and very special individuals provided opportunities and money for kids to play sports regardless of their financial situation. More than a good number who benefitted (including the initial founders of this Hall of Fame) are gathered at our inductions and Kids Program events today to be honoured.
So when we applied for our societal status, we decided to enshrine in our constitution, the goal of using specially raised or/and all excess funds raised to help kids play sports, through, for example, purchase of equipment, fees, registrations ...
Since we began the program in 2015-16 we have donated over $10,000 to individuals, small groups, and teams. which has helped over 250 youths, while in 2022-23 an additional 73 kids were helped via the expenditure of S2400.. great value for this modest expenditure. Even so, how does one measure the value of a new sports field (New Waterford), a boxing Club for youth in Saint John, a football team In Bedford, an indigenous fastball team in Mactaquac, "Black Ice" hockey program in rural Dartmouth, a summer program in Fredericton or with the Sydney Sooners?
How is that possible? We intended to keep this organization as simple as possible through public fundraising and the use of volunteers. Everyone on the Board is a volunteer; no one even has expenses covered. Space is provided by this beautiful BMO Centre, for which we are very grateful: the website is maintained by volunteers, While all of the photos, framing, and certificates were done by volunteers. We only pay for materials.
Therefore, costs are kept to a minimum: website hosting, Joint Stocks Societal fees, bank fees, and purchasing materials and services for an annual induction ceremony and for writing cheques for the Helping Kids Play Sports program, which will take place annually at most special event or induction. The COVID_19 has altered times and locations, but we are afinshed 2022 and are proceeding in 2023 with the program.
On an annual basis we expect to run three programs:
1. An Induction ceremony in September annually ... the next one being Sept 27, 2023 at 11AM. An event for “Helping Kids Play Sports ( 2022 completed/2023 continuing; 3. An annual auction; … plus ongoing fundraising through donations, sponsorships, and special events: 4. A charity golf tournament is being considered, if feasible.
Now… the obligatory “commercial”. If you think what we are doing is worthy and wish, and are able, to donate, we have tried to make it easy to do. Remember small donations by many add up to a lot over time.
A. There is a donation jar available at all events.
B. The website has an active Paypal donation button online, complete with a high-security system.
C. We will accept in-kind donations of items that could be placed for auction. While many items to date have been sports-related, the possibilities are limitless.
D. Anyone can call our secure phone line at 902-576-2055 & we can take credit cards over the phone.
E. One can mail in a donation to our PO Box in Halifax. Receipts could be available in the near future; new charities face a long Federal process these days
F. Suggest a sponsorship to companies you know; there are many levels of donations possible.
G. Buy an ad for your company or event on our 52” TV on the wall in the MSHOF display area. Views can be from 7500 to 15,000 per month for reasonable costs. All sponsorships are acknowledged on our website and on our large TV screen. The new prices are very attractive for 3-month or annual subscriptions.
Now that Nova Scotia has entered phase 4 or a reopening plan, and new software for our TV, it should be fully functional by the fall of 2023.
Please check the website for updates, media events, the Kids Program, as well as public and online auctions. Bookmark your browser and check back over the next while for updates, new information. The kid's program applications are ready, as well as nomination forms for induction on the website. The Paypal button is up and running now … and you may call the MSHOF locally at 902-576-2055 any time.
Finally, a special thank you to those of you who have sponsored and supported us to date. Those names and companies will be on the website on a special new page by the fall, of 2023 or sooner.