BANFF, AB — The Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the True Sport Youth Fund with a record $100,000 donation to 18 sport and recreation organizations across the Bow Valley. Over the past decade, the fund has helped local clubs and associations reduce barriers to participation and create opportunities for children and youth to learn, grow, and thrive through sport.

Since its establishment, the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation has donated more than $450,000 to support youth sports and recreation in the Bow Valley. This year’s funding represents the largest annual contribution in the program’s history.

“Over the past 10 years, we have seen the impact that local sport organizations have on young people and their families,” said Cathy Geisler, Executive Director of the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation. “This fund is about supporting the volunteers, coaches, and community leaders who make those experiences possible and helping ensure more children and youth can participate.”

“The Bow Valley True Sport and Recreation Council is delighted to partner with the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation,” said Bill Fisher, Chair of the Bow Valley True Sport & Recreation Council. “We know that affordability challenges many families in the Bow Valley. Most clubs apply to the True Sport Youth Fund to subsidize registration fees, purchase sport-specific gear and equipment, and upgrade coaching certifications. Providing our youth with safe, fun and high-quality programming helps ensure that our Bow Valley sport and recreation clubs remain sustainable.”

This year’s recipients include three organizations receiving funding through the program for the first time: Banff Springs Golf Club’s Junior Program, the Canadian Rockies Rowing Club, and the Canmore Tennis Association.

“I am especially thankful for the support directed toward girls’ hockey initiatives,” said Laura Ouellette, Director of Female Hockey at Canmore Minor Hockey Association. “This funding will help create additional opportunities for mentorship, skill development, and player pathway exploration, helping more girls remain engaged and inspired in the sport.”

This year’s True Sport Youth Fund recipients include:

• Banff Bears Rugby Club
• Banff Minor Hockey Association
• Banff Skating Club
• Banff Springs Golf Club – Junior Program
• Banff/Canmore Speed Skating Club
• Bow Valley Kayak Club
• Bow Valley Little League
• Bow Valley Riptides Swim Club
• Bow Valley Squash Foundation
• Canadian Rockies Rowing Club
• Canmore Illusions Gymnastics Club
• Canmore Indoor Climbing Society
• Canmore Minor Hockey Association
• Canmore Minor Soccer Club
• Canmore Nordic Ski Club
• Canmore Skating Club
• Canmore Tennis Association
• Rocky Mountain Volleyball Club

For 10 years, the fund has helped volunteer-driven sport and recreation organizations invest in equipment, training, coaching, programming, and financial assistance, creating more opportunities for children and youth across the Bow Valley to participate, develop new skills, and experience the benefits of sport close to home.

Through its support of local organizations and programs, the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation helps promote active lifestyles, create opportunities for young people, and strengthen community connections. These investments help make the Bow Valley a better place to live, raise a family, and enjoy mountain life.

For more information contact:
Cathy Geisler
Executive Director
Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation
403-763-8555

About the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation
Established in 2013, the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation is a private foundation in Banff, Alberta, Canada. Funded by the profits of Banff Caribou Properties Ltd. and Banff Lodging Company, the Foundation’s goal is to reinvest in Banff and the Bow Valley by supporting projects that contribute to a more active, vibrant, and healthy community.