No child should be left on the sidelines

The folks at Mini U Programs are getting a head start on the gift giving season.

This Saturday, Nov. 18 marks the second annual Mini U Alumpics. It’s spirited event pitting teams comprised of current staff and alums in fierce competitions of classic Mini U activities such as scooter hockey, meteor dodgeball, and Spikeball.

While this is all fun and games, there’s a larger purpose behind the event.

Funds raised from Alumpics (each team pays a registration fee to participate) and the after social go to send kids to Mini U camps.

“We want to see as many kids as possible come to Mini U,” says Luc Chapman, a Mini U program coordinator.

“This is a great and fun way to raise money and bring kids to camp who maybe wouldn’t get the opportunity to do so.”  

Mini U believes no child should be left on the sidelines. The camp provides support to families in order to reduce financial barriers preventing children from taking part in programs. They offer three subsidy options aimed to serve low-income households, foster Indigenous achievement, and provide opportunities for those with special needs.

Money raised from Alumpics will help bolster those subsidy initiatives. The hope is to raise between $5,000 and $10,000 this weekend. 

Chapman says he’s looking forward to the challenge of helping raise those funds, and to connecting with Mini U’s past and present.

“A big part of Mini U is a feeling of belonging and a team atmosphere and environment. It’s such a strong feeling, too. But you only have it for the two months or however long you’re here, and then it kind of goes away. This is a way for Mini U people from different eras to come back and recapture that magic.”

Tickets are still available to the Alumpics social, happening Saturday, Nov. 18 at Dakota Community Centre and can be purchased for $10. Contact Luc Chapman (Luc [dot] Chapman [at] umanitoba [dot] ca) for more information.

Garrick Kozier