Dreams and hard work lead to summer jobs for over 100 outstanding high school students from challenged Toronto neighbourhoods

More than 100 students from Toronto's most at-risk neighbourhoods were recognized yesterday for their achievements in training towards National coaching accreditation in a range of sports at the Toronto Sport Leadership Program (TSLP) event ceremony held at the Toronto Catholic District School Board.

Issues identified in Toronto's Vital Signs(R) around youth violence prompted the Toronto Community Foundation to convene leaders in the community to address the need for positively engaging youth. The dialogues led to the creation of the Toronto Sports Leadership Program, an intense coach training institute. The program benefits young people aged 16 and older who demonstrate athletic potential but are unable to afford the training. The intent is to give youth an opportunity to get involved with their communities in positive ways.

The tremendous impact of this program is credited to the remarkable collaboration between the Toronto Community Foundation, the City of Toronto, both Toronto School Boards, the United Way Toronto and the YMCA of Greater Toronto who all teamed up in this Public Philanthropic Partnership. "It's having a great ripple effect in many communities. Younger kids are starting to see leaders in their communities who look like them and that they can aspire to emulate." said Rahul Bhardwaj, President and CEO of the Toronto Community Foundation.

Lindsay Smith, a student that spoke at the event, says "I feel privileged to have been picked for this program. It is not just another youth thing where you sit around, eat chips and talk about how to stay out of trouble. I'm not expected to just show up. I'm expected to excel."

The Toronto Community Foundation (www.tcf.ca) is one of Canada's top-ten largest foundations. Last year the Toronto Community Foundation granted over $ 10 million to support 475 high-impact non-profit organizations.

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SOURCE: Toronto Community Foundation

Media Contacts: Toronto Community Foundation, Carole Boivin, (416) 921-2035 No. 212,
cboivin@tcf.ca