S'port for Kids Boosts Police Raptorball

Grant Gives Kids Sporting Chance to Resist Gang Pressure

Toronto, October 19, 2001 -- The S'port for Kids Foundation (SFK), will boost the Toronto Police Service Basketball program for disadvantaged youth with a $10,000 Grant to support a new "Stay in School and Keep the Peace" Raptorball program for up to 200 children, 5-16 years. The presentation will take place on Saturday, October 20 at 2:30 p.m. at Western Technical High School.

The Raptorball basketball league exposes young people to the values, qualities and skills that are require to succeed, with an emphasis on attitude, sportsmanship, leadership and team building. The new league was launched this month and is expected to eventually involve up to 32 teams and a total of 480 children.

"In a culture of restless dissatisfaction that puts pressure on youth to join street gangs, the need for organized community sport has never been greater," said Alex Yuan, chairman of the SFK Foundation. "There are hundreds of children in the GTA who deserve the chance to maximize their potential but can't afford to join sports teams. By building positive relationships for youth today, we are also investing in Canada's future business leaders," Yuan said.

With an estimated 60-80 street gangs operating in the GTA and up to 100 members in each gang, high school students are being actively recruited and pressured to get involved in crime and drugs. According to Staff Sergeant Chris Wilson, Toronto Police Service, Division 11 who organizes the Basketball program, the significant relationship between gang membership and increased crime has been documented. Research shows that youth 13-18 years are twice as likely to create a violent offense and be arrested than adults are.

The goal of the Toronto Police Service basketball program is to teach young people fair play ethics and skill development, and provide them with the kind of positive reinforcement and encouragement that is required to stay in school and succeed.

Founded in 1997 as a national charity, the S'port for Kids Foundation raises funds exclusively through charitable donations from Canadian business and fund raising initiatives. It allocates 100 per cent of its net proceeds to deserving youth. S'port for Kids Grant recipients include the Toronto City Mission, Regent Park Community Centre, Chinese Canadian Youth Association, Academy of Sports and Fitness Gymnastics Club and Anduyan Children's program, among others.

For Information Contact:
Alex Yuan, SFK Foundation (905) 886-4392
Lynne Beckett (416) 781-8301

175 West Beaver Creek Road, Suite 6,
Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 3M1