Fact Sheet
Founded in 1997, the S’port
for Kids Foundation (SFK) was registered as
a national charity in October 1998. Alex Yuan,
President of A&L Computer Software Ltd.,
a high-tech firm in Richmond Hill provided the
seed money for the Foundation.
The Foundation has presented $400,000
in S’port Grants and provided financial
assistance to more than 3,700 disadvantaged
children and youth since 2000.
Multi-Year S’port Grants
S’port for Kids created
three new sports programs in 2002 and pledged
a multi-year financial commitment to Regent
Park Community Centre, Children’s Aid
Foundation, Yonge Street Mission and Toronto
City Mission and Toronto Police Service Basketball
programs to ensure children could play in safe,
healthy environments and reach their full potential.
Regent Park Community Centre
Supported a new baseball program
in 2001 and adopted the hockey program for 150
children in 2002. The house teams produced citywide
champions in three age categories, but due to
limited financial resources, children depended
on recycled equipment and some competed without
safety equipment, such as neck guards. The new
program allows talented players an opportunity
for continued improvement and exposure to life
beyond Regent Park.
Children’s Aid Foundation
SFK created a national program
in 2003 – The S’port
for Kids Play Fund – to
provide financial resources to an increasing
number of high-risk youth in foster care who
are victims of poverty, abuse, and neglect.
Due to a lack of funds, these children are unable
to take part in organized sports. Since December
2001, SFK has supported almost 200 children
and youth in their sport of choice, including,
baseball, basketball, boxing, football, gymnastics,
hockey, lacrosse, March Break skating camp,
martial arts, rugby, snowboarding, soccer, swimming,
tennis and track and field. In Canada, there
are approximately 300,000 children in need of
child welfare services and of these, 66,000
children are removed from their families into
foster care. .
Yonge Street Mission
Commencing 2002, the Foundation and the Yonge
Street Mission created a formal, after-school
sports program that operates up to four days
per week from 3 to 7 pm and allows an estimated
500 children to participate in gymnastics, soccer,
floor hockey, karate and Tae Kwan Do. The sports
program also encourages academic group study
and tutorial sessions. The community centre
is the hub of the organization and is located
on the borders of Cabbagetown, Regent Park and
St. James Town with densely populated, high-rise
apartment complexes.
Toronto City Mission
Since 2001, SFK has supported
an after-school basketball program in the Malvern
community, an area where there is one of the
highest percentages of mothers living under
the poverty line. The program is a positive
alternative to being left home alone or on the
streets. The grant also supports after-school
programs in soccer, floor hockey and softball
in St. James Town for 100 children.
Toronto Police Service
Since 2001 SFK has supported the
“Stay in School and Keep the
Peace” Raptor Basketball
program for disadvantaged youth and its expansion
from 49 teams to a 75-team tournament involving
more than 1000 youth. The Raptorball House League,
launched in September 2001, offers up to 500
children under the age of 16 the opportunity
to participate in a basketball program on Saturday.
The organization teaches children fundamental
life skills through learning a sport, with an
emphasis on attitude, sportsmanship, leadership
and team building. The ultimate goal is to see
students receive College Diplomas and University
Degrees.
Other S'port Recipients
Zardasht Oqab
As part of its mandate, S’port for Kids
has a goal to help new, under-privileged immigrants
integrate into Canadian life and a further commitment
to assist Canada’s promising young athletes.
At 16, Zardasht is an exemplary student, three-time
Ontario Championship qualifier in wrestling, and
winner of the Ontario age group championship.
A native of Afghanistan, he immigrated to Canada
with his five years ago and faced serious financial
constraints. SFK provided travel and tournament
expenses for him to compete in the 2003 Canadian
Wrestling Championship and reach the next competitive
level towards representing Canada as an elite
athlete.
Pathways – for
Children, Youth and Families – York Region
Pathways operates two
residences for youth, aged 14-19, and “Home
Base” – a Drop in Centre in Richmond
Hill for homeless youth, aged 13-21, who are
in crisis and trying to rebuild their lives.
The Centre provides essential support services
for 400 individual youth who make 4,600 visits
annually. SFK provided funds to purchase essential
equipment for an enhanced recreation program.
Anduhyan Children’s
Program
Anduhyan is a shelter in downtown
Toronto that provides unique services to Aboriginal
women and children leaving abusive situations.
The SFK S’port Grant provided sports equipment
to meet the developmental needs of the children.
The Chinese Canadian Youth
Athletic Association
The Association helps Chinese
Canadian Youth, under 18 years, to participate,
train, and develop basketball skills. SFK made
it possible for youth at all levels to compete
at the North American Chinese Basketball Tournament
in 2001.
Contact:
Lynne Beckett, Becklyn Communications
– (416) 781-8301
Alex Yuan, President, S’port for Kids
Foundation – (905) 886-4392
www.sportforkids.ca |
