First off, I'd like to say thank you to David for stopping to say hi and for reading my columns. It means a lot

Now on with this week's column:

Resilience, community, and the power of sport - those themes have run like a steady current through every one of our columns. Whether it was a child lacing up skates for the first time, a group of kids discovering a new sport, or a table tennis game on a concrete slab at -40 C, the message remains the same: When we create safe, welcoming, and fun environments, kids thrive.  

That鈥檚 why this week, we鈥檙e not just telling a story. We鈥檙e offering an opportunity. If you鈥檝e ever wanted to bring youth together, grow your sport or program, or build something new in your community, this is your moment. The GNWT has released three fantastic funding streams to help support your big (or small) ideas. 

Youth Corps Program  

This fund supports longer-term skill-building and leadership experiences for youth. Think of weekly programming, outdoor survival camps, leadership intensives, land-based learning, or youth-led projects that build confidence and teamwork. This is ideal for youth between 12 and 25, schools, community groups, and recreation leaders with a long-term vision. The deadline to apply is May 10. 

Youth Contribution Program  

This is for shorter, targeted initiatives that can thrive under this stream. Single events, workshops, day camps, or even travel support to attend another community鈥檚 program are all eligible. If you've got a one-time idea or pilot project in mind (like a youth mental wellness day or a basketball skills camp), this is for you. The deadline to apply for this is also May 10

Regional Youth Sport Events (RYSE)  

This is for multi-community sport events that bring youth together across regions. From hosting badminton tournaments to cross-regional Dene games or weekend hockey festivals, it鈥檚 all about building friendships and developing physical literacy through sport. This program focuses on regional, not territorial, events. Like the previous two, the deadline to apply is May 10,

For more information on this funding, check out our website: https://physicalliteracy.info/funding/gnwt/

Now, maybe you're wondering if your idea is 鈥渂ig enough.鈥� Here's the truth: a snowshoe race, a two-day paddle camp, a weekly youth hangout that ends with everyone learning to juggle, it all counts. In fact, remember me joking about starting a snowball-fighting territorial sport organization? Well, the joke's on me ... because if you pitch it right, with a focus on inclusion and wellness, there鈥檚 probably funding for it.

So here's your invitation. Dream it. Design it. Deliver it. Make a difference. And know that a whole community (and some helpful application tips) have your back. Let鈥檚 keep growing the North together one youth-led story, one sport, and one snowball at a time.

Thorsten Gohl is the co-ordinator of Physical Literacy NWT.