Para hockey school program expanded in Calgary, Edmonton

Helping more Alberta children take to the ice Government funding is helping more kids take to the ice, with a program to try para hockey expanding for elementary students.

A one-time investment from the Alberta government will expand a para hockey program in Calgary and introduce the project to Grade 3 students in Edmonton.

Alberta's sport and social services ministers announced the $500,000 investment in the AMP Legacy Foundation of Canada on Tuesday morning.

"This funding will play a key role in helping (AMP) make sport more accessible and improve the lives of more young Albertans," said Jason Nixon, Alberta's minister of seniors, community and social services, in a new release.

AMP's Community Champions Program introduces Garde 3 students to para hockey, and the additional funding will allow about 2,000 students to join the program next school year.

The AMP Legacy Foundation has several programs to help children with physical disabilities play sports, and the Grade 3 program allows students of all abilities to take part in sledge or roller hockey.

"The fact that 92 per cent of children aren't meeting requirements for physical activity deeply concerned us as parents and former players," said Brad Layzell with AMP Legacy Foundation Canada.

"We felt a responsibility to step up and create a positive and impactful experience for our kids and communities."