Happy, Safe and Part of a Community Through Sports with Krista Richard

Remember what it was like growing up in the 70s, 80s or even 90s? Hopping on your bike & making your way to the local ball field or rink to play or just hang out? Growing up, we knew everyone in our neighborhoods but in 2024, that doesn’t always seem to be the case. Today’s guest is changing that all across Moncton. Krista Richard is a retired educator, prolific community volunteer, accomplished athlete and founder of Community Sports Program and Bikes & Trikes for Everyone. She’s been running after-school sports programming for all of her career and she is committed to keeping her programs free and accessible to everyone. We talk about Krista’s work in the Forest Glen community, the program’s expansion across Greater Moncton and why these programs are so essential. Krista really got the audience thinking when she began describing her own childhood growing up in Lower Lewisville and how she could hop on her bicycle and head to Kelly Field any day of the week to connect and just… play. After all, she reminds us, kids really just want to play.  This opened up a conversation about how challenging it can be for families to support their kids’ sports these days given financial and transportation barriers. Gone are the days with a ball field in every neighbourhood, leaving many kids sidelined.  Krista ensures that her program stays in communities where kids can attend. Accessibility (both financial and locational) are not negotiable for her. Last year, this meant that 212 kids got to play sports through her programs.  (PS. She single-handedly coached 19 basketball teams last year). I asked Krista how Moncton shows up for her:  “We sometimes hear a lot of negative but there are so many great people and organizations in Moncton always willing to help.” Anytime she puts out the call for donations (clothing for kids and adults; non-perishable food; sneakers; health products) Moncton always shows up with more than she asks for. Once you experience this episode, I know you’ll be looking for ways to support Krista.  Connect with Krista in our Facebook Community, and follow her pages: Community Sports Program and Bikes & Trikes for Everyone.