Youth sports initiatives in the region will get a little boost, thanks to the success of the Citizens On Patrol Program (COPP) and RCMP golf fundraiser.

Representatives from COPP and RCMP presented KidSport Manitoba regional sport development officer Leanna Traynor with a $4,500 donation Thursday outside of the Portage RCMP detachment, proceeds from the annual COPP/RCMP golf tournament that took place Sept. 1.

Rose from COPP says they have supported KidSport -- an organization that helps low income families cover registration costs for children in recreation -- for the past 10 years with their tournament because of the impact it has in the community.

"So much of that money comes back to our community," Rose says. "It's very important to us. We're very much in favour of children's sports."

Traynor says the funds will go a long way to help a lot of kids from Portage and area be involved in sports.

"The tournament has raised over $40,000 over the last 10 years," Traynor says. "It's been a huge part in us being able to help kids."

RBC also contributed $1,000, raising the total KidSport received to help financially disadvantaged youths get involved in recreation to $5,500.

"The money actually stays within the community and at RBC we like to be involved in community events," says Christine Frisch, Portage RBC branch manager. "What KidSport does means a lot to us and the community."