At Whidbey Island Aerial Athletics, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience the confidence, connection, discipline, and joy that come through athletics—regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

The WIAA General Assistance Program (GAP) was created to bridge the gap between financial hardship and participation. Our island community faces a high cost of living and includes foster youth, military families, single-income households, and other families navigating circumstances beyond their children’s control. For many young athletes, the cost of tuition, uniforms, equipment, and competitions can place meaningful opportunities out of reach.

GAP helps ensure that financial hardship does not determine who gets to belong, participate, or pursue their potential. Assistance may cover tuition, uniforms, competition fees, equipment, or even an athlete’s entire season.

The heart of GAP begins within our own gym. A portion of every WIAA fundraiser supports the program, and our athletes contribute part of their individual fundraising proceeds to help teammates in need. In doing so, they learn that a strong team does more than train together—it supports, includes, and uplifts one another. 

In true "family is always there" fashion, our team is made up of volunteers from within the gym - we do not employ paid employees, or pay our board members, so 100% of the funding can be put directly back into our local youth athletes, and the space they train in.

The need, however, is greater than our internal fundraising can meet. For years, WIAA has absorbed the remaining costs so children would not be turned away. With the support of local businesses and community members, we can reach more young people and build a sustainable future for the program.

Tax-deductible contributions can sponsor tuition, uniforms, equipment, competition expenses, full athletic seasons, professional services, and other essential needs. Every contribution—financial or in-kind—helps give a local child the chance to take part, find belonging, and discover how high they can rise.

Together, we can bridge the GAP and help every athlete take flight.