A lifelong impact: The power of sport in building
community
For Braxton Lawrence, sports were more than just games—they were lifelines, gateways to friendships, and stepping stones in his professional and personal development.
Growing up in Saskatoon with a single mom, Braxton was fortunate to have the support of organizations like KidSport, a Youth+Us Partner, which helped fund his sports participation and turn his athletic talents into opportunities.
KidSport, a non-profit organization, strives to ensure that no child sits on the sidelines due to financial constraints. By helping to cover the costs of registration fees, KidSport helps kids aged 5-18 years in Saskatchewan play a season of sport.
The ability to be able to do sport at the volume that I did when I was younger due to some of the funding was pretty
significant for me. I went on to play post-secondary football with the Hilltops and the Huskies, and met a lot of really good
people through those programs that helped propel my business career.-Braxton
Leveling the playing field
These contributions go beyond just covering fees—they relieve some of the hidden financial burdens, allowing families to focus on other essentials while their children enjoy the benefits of sports.
Braxton experienced firsthand the positive effects that KidSport had on his life and development. He learned to overcome challenges and push himself, working hard and practicing often to get results. He also highlights the importance of the “intangibles” that come
from playing sports: camaraderie, leadership, accountability and inclusion.
“Whether it’s underserved communities, people with disabilities, or anything else -Community and inclusion are significant in building confidence.”
A full-circle journey
Today, Braxton is not only a successful finance professional and former U of S Huskies and Hilltops football player, but also a dedicated board member for KidSport, giving back to the community that once supported him.
“I think about the full circle experience of being a recipient and now being able to help fundraise and allocate money to other kids,” shares Braxton. “It helps me sleep at night knowing that I’m trying to do that.”
For Braxton, his role at KidSport is about much more than financial aid. He sees the potential of sports to shape lives, especially for those who might otherwise lack a strong support network.
I met a ton of friends through sports. And had I not been able to do this at the level that I did when I was a young kid, who knows if I would have been in the same spot I am today.
-Braxton
Today, as KidSport faces growing demand, Braxton and his fellow board members are committed to expanding the organization’s reach to help more families access the transformative power of sports. KidSport’s mission resonates deeply in communities like Saskatchewan, where sports bring people together, teach invaluable lessons, and offer young athletes like Braxton a chance to thrive.
