FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2010
Toronto Sports Leadership Program Celebrates the Class of 2010
Dreams and hard work lead to summer jobs for over 100 outstanding high school students from Toronto's priority neighbourhoods
TORONTO— Today, more than 100 students from Toronto's inner suburbs were recognized for their dedication and hard work in pursuing their dreams. The students are the 2010 graduates of the Toronto Sports Leadership Program (TSLP) — an intense national coaching accreditation program for at-risk youth.
The TSLP was established following the "summer of the gun" to increase opportunities for sports training, employment and community leadership for athletically-inclined youth living in Toronto's priority neighbourhoods. It benefits youth, age 16 and older, who demonstrate athletic potential but are unable to afford the cost of becoming a certified coach.
More than 500 young people have graduated from the TSLP since 2006 and have gone on to become certified lifeguards, ski instructors, basketball and soccer coaches, camp counsellors — and most importantly — role models in their community.
Mayor David Miller joined representatives from the TSLP partner organizations — United Way Toronto, YMCA of Greater Toronto, the Toronto Community Foundation, the Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board — to present the youth with their graduation diplomas at the Metro - Central YMCA.
"These athletes prove that a little bit of sweat goes a long way," said Frances Lankin, President and CEO of United Way Toronto. "Today's graduates are making a big difference — not only in the lives of the young athletes they coach, but across their communities as well."
"The YMCA of Greater Toronto is proud to be a partner in the Toronto Sports Leadership Program as it continues to have a positive impact on young people in the GTA," said Medhat Mahdy, Interim President & CEO at the YMCA of Greater Toronto. "As a partner, the YMCA assists youth in their job search and has hired TSLP graduates in our health, fitness and recreation centres, and our summer camps. By providing meaningful employment opportunities, engaging youth in leadership skills, and building their competence and confidence, we are delivering on our mission and helping create stronger, healthier communities."
"Younger children now see leaders in their communities that they can identify with and aspire to emulate," said Rahul K. Bhardwaj, President & CEO of the Toronto Community Foundation. "Our Fundholders see the value of this made-in-Toronto solution to address high youth unemployment rates and youth violence. We are happy to spearhead the program's development and the sustainability plan and proud to be funding the expansion of the program to include introductory swimming, skating, and tennis instruction."
For information:
Caitlin Stidwill
United Way Toronto
416 777 1444 ex 396
cstidwill@uwgt.org
