A LOVE OF TENNIS
McGuinty Grand Slam September 10-11 2011
TENNIS FOR RESULTS
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$15,000 grant from Ontario Government Healthy Communities - put equipment in 10 elementary schools - 30 racquets, 2 mini nets, balls and provided teacher training.
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Over 28,000 kids have been introduced to tennis over last 4 years.
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Ridgemont High School Courts Refurbished 2009 $15,000 Ontario Trillium Grant
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Hillcrest High School Courts refurbished 2005 $33,100 Ontario Trillium Grant (We are very dedicated to increasing the self esteem of kids by providing nice environments for them to play on)
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Since refurbishing Hillcrest Courts 750 High School Kids are exposed to tennis each year in gym class and 2 high school teams play in the highschool interclub league.
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The west division of the high school league now has nice courts at Ridgemont to play - 8 teams and about 100 kids have enjoyed the courts during team matches.
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Two organizations have become incorporated -affordable community programs available to the South end of the City at two sites.
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New on court free character development program implemented in 2010 as a pilot project for Inner City Kids with over 85 participants ages 6-8 years. Ten volunteer coaches involved in this program.
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Twenty new partnerships created in the community.
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Created "A Love of Tennis" Grand Slam as our annual fundraiser for the Inner City Program with $2,000 raised so far.
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Long term results include decreased childhood poverty by providing kids with the skills to create a brighter future, get good grades in school and do whatever they dream. The possibilities are endless. Education is the number one key out of poverty. The other long term result is a better and healthier lifestyle by providing them with the skills and knowledge to lead a active and healthy life. The cost for this is priceless!
I can't really tell you the need for this program in the community. About 4 years ago I had no idea that we would be able to use tennis as a vehicle to make such an impact on the lives of the kids in our community. Can't afford a racquet was someting I had never considered, but I soon came to realize that this was something that was a real reality. With the average annual family income around $24,000 to put food on the table and pay the rent is more than some can afford. Sports which would provide such a positive aspect in their child's life wasn't possible. With this program no child is left out and the life lessons it provides will carry them through life no matter what they choose. To see a happy child running across the field for tennis and having that opportunity to make a difference in their lives is an amazing priviledge.
As we are in the process of raising revenue for this program I personally have done a lot of the teaching on court as a volunteer. It has been the hardest job I have ever had as most of the kids have never learned the skills that come with playing sports such as listening, respecting your team members, persevering when things are not going well and they are losing, the integrity to do what they say they are going to, to be honest and call the balls in when they are on the line. Each day is a challenge but the rewards are worth every minute of the struggles we face with these kids. They are our future and we can't give up on them because I am 100% positive that they have the potential to believe in themselves, develop more self confidence, learn to respect them self and others and do what ever they believe for themselves.
Therefore we are asking you to please support us by putting in a team in our "A Love of Tennis Grand Slam by e-mailing us today at grandslam@aloveoftennis.ca.
One in seven children in Canada lives in poverty
The Canadian child poverty rate increased between 1990 and 2000's
Source:http://www.conferenceboard.ca/hcp/details/society/child-poverty.aspx#_ftn2
Our program helps increase self esteem and confidence in kids, provides them with the tools to be successful in school and in life no matter what they choose to do. They will be guided by principles that allow them to make positive decisions about their destiny and believe in themselves that anything is possible.
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A child’s social, physical and economic environments, including schools, home and the community, all have a significant influence on whether a child is at a healthy weight.
Source:http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ch-se/obesity/obesity-eng.php
Where Revenue goes For Inner City Program
1. Hiring of Pros to run program and director to coordinate
2. Equipment for kids - junior racquets and balls so kids can practice.
3. Equipment to run program - balls, pinnies, mini-nets
4. Training manuals and resources for volunteer coaches
5. Promotional material for program
6. Revenue to continue to refurbish and expand sites - (4 schools on waiting list) -the future plans include an indoor facility with computer lab to include homework and tutoring
7. Resources and equipment for fitness and nutrition teaching.
