For Immediate Release
March 26, 2009
York West Students Learn Life Lessons From Pro Athletes
Generation Change Sports Day motivates youth to foster positive relationships and strive for success
[TORONTO] –Approximately 150 students from neighbouring high schools from the Jane-Finch neighbourhood had a day trip of a life time when they met at The Hangar in Downsview Park to meet and train with local pro athletes and coaches earlier today.
The sports clinic involved players and coaches from the Toronto FC, the Toronto Argonauts, Tennis Canada and the Ontario Tennis Association. The Raptors and Marlies mascot also made guest appearances to keep the pace strong all day long. Motivating speakers, including retired Argo, Brian Warren attended the event as well as ‘the voice of the Raptors’ Mr. Herbie Kuhn as emcee for part of the day.
“Many of the people we know started from difficult or disadvantaged beginnings, but someone believed in them, took time out to make a difference, and show them the basic principles of success so that they too could be over comers and victorious in the fields of their giftings,” says York West MPP Mario Sergio.
Co-sponsored by MPP Mario Sergio, GENERATION CHANGE Sports Day was initiated by ProAction Cops & Kids with Sgt. Stephen Hicks of 31 Division. The aim is to teach youth the value to teamwork and discipline while building positive relationships with their peers, teachers, and the local police.
"Students who are healthy and active have more energy for learning and can better focus on what’s happening in the classroom. Members of the York West community are working together for the well-being of our students," says Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Education.
“I have been working and coaching our youth for years and can give you many success stories. By having a sense of accomplishment in a fun environment, we are giving them a chance to learn teamwork,” says Sgt. Stephen Hicks.
Sgt. Stephen Hicks and ProAction Cops & Kids hope to see the program be developed in other communities throughout Toronto and across the Toronto District School Board.
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For more information:
Mario Sergio, MPP
York West
416-585-7007
