Programs
Information about the following Programs can be found below: Competitive Sports Event Funding, Recreational Membership Funding, Funding for Youth, and the Alex Southwell Fund.
Competitive Sports Event Funding
The Program
Primarily funded by participation in the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission Casino program, AASRA members in good standing of all ages are eligible for financial support to participate in competitive sporting events on a local, national or international basis. This funding is only available to amputee members of AASRA. Non-amputee support persons may also be considered by the Board of Directors if requested.
Since it’s inception in 1977 AASRA has been proud to support Alberta amputee athletes in competitive events involving over 20 sports from local municipal swim meets and ski competitions to international volleyball and golf. Destinations have included kayak/canoe in Australia and cycling in Europe to mention a few.
Due to the nature of funding at this level it’s important to ensure that the event is sanctioned by a recognized governing body and that reimbursement is strictly limited to event-related expenses only. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide supporting information in this regard.
The limit for competitive sports event funding per member per year is set by the AASRA Board of Directors. Please contact a member of the AASRA Board or email info@aasra.ab.ca to find out what the current limit is.
The Process
The process for Competitive Sports Event Funding is described at “Member Benefits & Forms -> Step-by-Step Application Process”.
To obtain funding an AASRA Funding Application form along with documentation supporting the legitimacy of the event (sanctioning organization “letter”) and cost estimates should be submitted to AASRA by mail or by email to info@aasra.ab.ca. The AASRA Board will discuss and determine the acceptability of the application and the maximum funding to be provided and notify the applicant.
AASRA cannot provide funding prior to the event. The AASRA member pays all costs to participate in the event keeping detailed receipts. A Reimbursement form is then submitted along with all proof of payment and participation documentation to info@aasra.ab.ca to be processed by the treasurer based on prior Board approval. It is the responsibility of the participating AASRA athlete to provide all supporting receipts and other documentation.
Additional Information
For more information or to provide feedback please mail AASRA at the address on our Contact Us page or use email to info@aasra.ab.ca.
Recreational Membership Funding
The Program
A grant from Alberta Sport Connection and generous donations from corporations and individuals have made it possible for the board of directors to budget to fund recreational membership fees for members of AASRA in good standing of all ages. This funding is only available to amputee members of AASRA. Non-amputee support persons may also be considered by the Board of Directors if requested.
Some examples of this would include memberships to gyms, fitness centres or walking/running/swimming clubs. The maximum amount available for recreational membership funding is set by the AASRA Board of Directors. The limit for competitive sports event funding per member per year is set by the AASRA Board of Directors. Please contact a member of the AASRA Board or email info@aasra.ab.ca to find out what the current limit is. Members may make up to three claims per calendar year, not to exceed the maximum. Claims for expenses to participate in recreational activities will also be considered (i.e. travel, accommodations, etc.).
The use of this budget would be applied on a first-come-first-served basis. A strong bias towards fitness and healthy lifestyle will be favoured.
The Process
To obtain funding an AASRA Expense Claim form along with a receipt showing payment of the fee should be submitted to AASRA by mail or by email to info@aasra.ab.ca (scanned copies of receipts are OK). Please specify “Recreational membership funding request” on the form. To access the Expense Claim form click here.
Pre-approval may be requested prior to paying the membership fee by mail or email (same as above). If pre-approval is granted the fee must be paid by the applicant and then submitted for reimbursement using the AASRA expense claim form with receipt attached. AASRA cannot provide the money ahead of time to pay the fee.
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This is an exciting new funding development for AASRA members and we hope that you will take advantage of the program.
Funding for Youth
Registration Fees for Youth
Grants from Alberta Sport Connection as well as general personal and corporate donations have made it possible for the Board of Directors to set aside a budget to fund sports organization registration fees for members under 18 years old. The AASRA board feels very strongly that we should be supporting our younger members at maintaining an active lifestyle in a recreational activity of their choice.
Under 18 amputee members will now be eligible for funding of up to $500 per application. Some examples of potential funding applications could include registration to play on soccer teams, hockey teams or swim clubs. Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis until we reach the budgeted allotment for this program.
To obtain funding, members must submit an expense form along with a receipt showing payment of the fee to AASRA by mail at P.O. Box 86093, Marda Loop RPO Calgary, AB T2T 6B or by email to info@aasra.ab.ca (scanned copies of receipts are OK).
Members who are unsure if their registration is an approved expense can submit a pre-approval request prior to paying the registration fee. These pre-approval requests can also be sent to the above snail mail address or to the email address listed above. If pre-approval is granted the fee must be paid by the applicant and then submitted for reimbursement using the AASRA expense claim form with receipt attached. AASRA cannot provide the money ahead of time to pay the fee.
For more information or to provide feedback, please email us at info@aasra.ab.ca.
Thank you.
AASRA Board of Directors
Alex Southwell Fund
Several years ago, we informed AASRA members via a profile in the AASRA newsletter about Alex Southwell, a young man from the Red Deer area who sadly passed away at an early age. Alex was an amputee, and his family started a charity golf tournament in his memory, and it has been run successfully for the past few years. We were proud and grateful that they designated AASRA as the recipient of the funds raised asking that they be directed to benefit youth members of the Alberta amputee community if possible. This money is held in a separate fund account for that purpose.
A few junior AASRA members have been given money from the "Alex Southwell Fund", but we'd like to make better use of it. For that reason, we are offering grants to junior amputees for activity related expenses of any kind. Sports equipment (like skates, sports wheelchairs, personal bike modifications), uniforms/clothing or special training not covered by existing Competitive Event Funding or Recreational Membership Funding programs are some of the ways this money could be used.
Applicants for funding from the Alex Southwell Fund must be junior members of AASRA (under 18 years of age, membership is free). A request for the funds (from the applicant or a parent, guardian or other adult representative) should be sent in writing to the president of AASRA at president@aasra.ab.ca briefly specifying how the money would be used. The President will decide, with the support of the AASRA board, if the request is approved and follow up accordingly. At this time the Alex Southwell Fund grants will be limited to $500 per year per applicant.
The AASRA board of directors and the family of Alex Southwell sincerely hope this additional funding will be of use to some of our junior members.