(Toronto) – On Thursday, December 6, 2012 the Danforth Village Business Improvement Area (DVBIA) will renew its support of youth sport in the community when it presents cheques to three East York sports organizations: The Ted Reeve Arena Skating & Hockey School, The East York Soccer Club and The East York Baseball Association.
The event kicks off at 6:30 pm at the Stan Wadlow Park auditorium at 888 Cosburn Avenue in Toronto. Coaches, parents and young athletes will be in attendance at the event, which will feature speeches from local politicians, representatives from the Danforth Village BIA and a presentation to the three sports organizations.
The Danforth Village BIA Community Sponsorship Program was developed in 2011 as a way of bringing the benefits of sport to young people in the community, some of whom do not have the means or resources to participate in organized sport.
“We are delighted to be able to maintain our commitment to amateur sport in our community,” says BIA Board Chair Louie Dapergolas. “We know that the teams are struggling with limited resources and so we hope that this support can help to ensure that youth and families continue to benefit from these valuable programs.”
Each of the sports organization receives $5000. The funds are designated to help pay for ice costs, field costs, clothing equipment, photos and trophies.
Running a sports league, even one for children, is an expensive proposition and Nelson De Melo, a coach whose daughter Madelyn plays with the East York Baseball Association, says all the parents in the league appreciate the value of the DVBIA’s sponsorship.
“When you have a community group such as the DVBIA that’s willing to put money into local community groups like children playing sports, it speaks volumes about what a great community the east end of Toronto is,” says De Melo. “It brings value to our league and value to our neighbourhood. It’s fantastic.”
“The kids get exercise, they’re outdoors and most important,” says Nicole Methven, “they’re learning about teamwork and good sportsmanship.” Her 5-year old daughter Hannah Smith plays in the East York Soccer Club, which has over 2,400 kids playing on house league teams and in its competitive program.
The Ted Reeve Skating and Hockey School has been teaching kids how to skate and play hockey since 1969 and is completely staffed by volunteers. “We are grateful to the DVBIA for their recognition of our grassroots community efforts,” says Director, Secretary and instructor Paul Casey. “I am very proud of what we do and the volunteer efforts of our instructors and juniors, many of whom have worked with us for decades.”
