2008 TSCF Phase Two Recipients

 
$25,000 Recipients

The True Sport Community Fund awarded $25,000 grants to the following communities:

Peticodiac Boys and Girls Club Inc. (Multi-Sport)	The Peticodiac Boys and Girls Club is the only child and youth serving organization in this rural area.  They offer many different after school programs and services all aimed at helping every child reach his or her potential. The club would like to offer more after school sports programming, however are restricted by the fact that there is currently no public indoor sports facility or gymnasium anywhere in the community.  Children at the club currently play ball hockey in a 4x16 foot hallway.   Together with other community and national partners, the TSCF funds will be used to build a gymnasium at the club and provide a source of fun, recreation and stability for children and youth.
Musgrave Harbour Recreation  / Youth Committee (Soccer)	This project will create a centralized recreation area adjacent to the community school, making it accessible to over 150 children and youth.   Outside of the school based extra-curricular activities there are currently no organized sports available in this community and therefore little to do for children during the summer months.  The reality is that in order for youth to become involved in many organized sports they must travel 95km to the nearest major centre which is simply not possible for many low income families in this area.  To address this issue, the community plans to build its own multi-purpose field and establish an accessible soccer program.   The TSCF will support this initiative.
Sports Interlake (Basketball)	The Running with the Bison program is a comprehensive First Nations basketball program centered on athletic development. The program also focuses on education, the development of employment skills and will address various nutrition challenges on reserves in Manitoba.  The program will bring qualified coaches to three First Nation Reserves and provide recreational as well as competitive training opportunities. The TSCF will be used to purchase equipment as well as for the development of a training and mentorship program where local coaches and student athletes are encouraged to take on  leadership roles within the program.
Pelican Lake Alliance of Youth (Multi-Sport)	The Pelican Lake Alliance of Youth is the only organization in this community run for youth – by youth.  Their vision is to create a First Nation where youth of all ages can work together to achieve mental, physical, social and personal development through participation in cultural events and community sport programs.  The TSCF will provide funds towards the establishment 6 different accessible sport programs in this community with the goal of increasing the number of youth who participate in sport as well as the number of coaches and volunteers within the community.  These programs will provide an opportunity for youth to participate in programs that were previously non-existent and will have a lasting impact on the community as parents, teachers, coaches and volunteers all work together to make the programs sustainable.
The R.E.A.L. Program (Multi-Sport)	The City of St. John’s Department of Recreation’s R.E.A.L. program was created to ensure that all children and youth have equal opportunity to participate in sport and recreation.  The R.E.A.L. program covers all the costs associated with recreation and sport for children and youth including registration fees, transportation and equipment.   The City of St. John’s covers all administration and staffing costs of the program so that 100% program funds are directed to the children.  The R.E.A.L. program has been instrumental in providing thousands of children with an opportunity to explore something new. This program connects children, parents and families with the broader community.  It is about more than placing a child in a soccer program, it is about children developing self – esteem, meeting new friends, learning about commitment and having fund.
Multicultural Association of Fredericton Inc. (Multi-Sport)	The Multicultural Association of Fredericton plays a vital role in establishing communication and fostering understanding between the local community, settled immigrants and newcomers.  The Newcomer Youth Participation in Sports (NYPS) Project will facilitate the participation of immigrant and refugee youth in sports in their new community and new country. This creates an inclusive and supportive environment allowing them to attain the knowledge, resources, skills and confidence to participate fully in Canadian sport programs.   This program will: introduce youth to three North American Sports, provide training for coaches, establish a Buddy Program as well as an equipment loaning program.
KidSport Ottawa (Multi-Sport)	KidSport Ottawa is a children’s charitable program which helps disadvantaged kids overcome social and economic barriers preventing or limiting their participation in organized sport.   The TSCF will provide funding to support the Ultra Play Skills Program which is a five week long skill development program that introduces children to the basics in several sports.  Participants are hand selected by teachers from several low income area schools and are offered the program at no cost.   This project will reach out to seven communities that do not offer many opportunities for children and youth and will impact over 400 children.  It has been noted that many of the participants of this program go on to attend High School and continue to give back to the program in subsequent years.

$5,000 Recipients

The True Sport Community Fund awarded $5,000 grants to the following communities:

Regina Minor Football (Football)	The Regina Minor Football league runs an inner-city football program for Aboriginal youth.   Most youth in this community have never had the opportunity to participate in organized sport of any kind and this football team is the first in over thirty (30) years to come from this neighbourhood.  The organization believes that by providing a positive outlet for these youth they are more likely to avoid many of the negative activities and behaviours which are prevalent in this community.  The TSCF will be used to purchase much needed equipment for the program.
St. John’s High School (School Sport)	This after school hockey program provides at risk youth with a safe place to be after school while they learn new sport skills.  A key component of this hockey program is the involvement of volunteer police officers who act as the program coaches and work to develop positive relationships with the children and youth instilling both respect and responsibility.  Transportation is one of the biggest hurdles for this program as most of the participants do not have the means to travel to and from practices and games.  The TSCF will provide support for the purchase of a school bus which will be used to safely transport participants to events and practices.
YMCA of Greater Halifax / Dartmouth (Basketball)	With the goal of developing life skills through sport, this YMCA has run a very successful YBALL (basketball) program for over 40 years.  The club would like to expand its program to meet the increasing need for affordable sport programming in this community.  The TSCF will provide funding for volunteer coach training and certification allowing more children to participate in this program.
Conseil de développement du sport du Restigouche (multi-sport)	This sport council represents fifteen local municipalities and two First Nation Reserves in northern New Brunswick.  The council was formed to address the lack of available sport opportunities for children and youth across this region.  By working together, the council aims to create a website for the sport council and organize several free mini sport leagues across the region.  These mini leagues will minimize travel distances and increase accessibility for these new sport opportunities.
Miramichi Cross Country Ski Club (Cross Country Skiing)	Due to financial constraints and a lack of accessible winter sport activities, many youth in this community do not participate in sport.  This cross country ski club plans to start an equipment loaning program to address this need.  The TSCF funds will be used towards the purchase of skis, binding, boots, poles and snowshoes for use by low income families.  The equipment will last for 10 years and allow local Aboriginal youth to engage in healthy outdoor sport activities for years to come.
La Loche Minor Sports Inc. (Ice Hockey)	Located in northern Saskatchewan, La Loche Minor Sports is a program designed by community volunteers and governed by the Minor Hockey parents in the community.  The mandate of the organization is to ensure that each child in the community under the age of 19 has equal opportunity to not only participate but thrive in any sport he/she chooses.  As part of this program, each child receives the necessary support, tools and guidance needed to succeed in sport.  This project will increase the participation of youth by purchasing more hockey and goalie equipment and eliminate registration fees for low income families.
Little Shuswap Indian Band (Golf)	This program will give youth from the Little Shuswap Indian Band the chance to play golf, a sport which is highly inaccessible for the vast majority of residents in this community.  The golf program will provide access to equipment, facilities and certified instructors at no charge to participants and will focus on golf skills as well as sportsmanship and leadership skills.  The TSCF will directly contribute to the establishment of an equipment inventory of 25 sets of golf clubs, golf shirts and shoes which will be used for years to come.
Fort Smith Paddling Club (Whitewater Kayaking)	This club, which has been offering an adult instructional program for over 25 years has recently expanded its programming to offer kayak classes for children and youth.  These ‘learn to kayak pool clinics’ will introduce the basic skills of kayaking and be open and accessible to youth of all levels and abilities.  The club is located on the Slave River rapids which are regarded as one of the world’s best kayaking destinations, yet many local children are not able to participate in the sport.  This has been attributed in large part to a lack of equipment and financial barriers for low income families. The TSCF will provide start up funding for the purchase the equipment for this program which will last for 15 seasons.
The Rave Volleyball Program (Volleyball)	The Rave Volleyball Program was designed to provide girls under the age of 14 who are experiencing social barriers with the opportunity to play organized volleyball.  Through the offering of various skills camps and competitive volleyball programs many positive benefits have been observed in the participants including increased confidence and better attendance at school.  The TSCF will provide funds for the expansion of the program to include programming for girls aged 15 and 16 years old.
Nipawin Metis Local 134 (Boxing)	The Access Boxing! program offers no cost instruction and boxing gear to youth in the community who would otherwise not have the chance to participate in the sport.  The program fosters a sense of respect, while teaching new skills and promoting fun. With the TSCF grant the club will be in a position to provide a starter set of boxing gear to all participants entering the program which will also allow them to practice on their own at home.
Guidance of Canadian Somali Youth (Soccer / Basketball)	The Guidance of Canadian Somali Youth has been helping Somali- Canadian children for nearly 10 years by providing various support services in the community including a weekly soccer league for 125 children.  Culturally, Somali girls are discouraged from being physically active as it is seen to be unfeminine.  The TSCF will provide support for the hiring of a female coach to work with the girls’ team and promote the acceptance of physical exercise for girls, thus helping them integrate into Canadian society.
Tracks and Trails (Cross country ski and snowshoeing)	There are currently no organized outdoor winter sport activities for the youth in this northern community.  The Tracks and Trails program aims to provide a positive outlet and promote positive lifestyle choices by providing free cross country ski and snowshoeing instruction.   The TSCF will support the club in its purchase of equipment as well as for the staging of two coaching clinics this season in order to encourage youth to take leadership roles within the club.
Rocky FlipZ Wellness and Learning Centre (Gymnastics)	This organization offers youth based community programming as well as a variety of gymnastics based programs.  The centre has recently partnered with two neighbouring First Nation Reserves to run an outreach gymnastic s program.   The TCSF will provide funding to purchase the equipment required for the program and support for the travel costs associated with bringing the gymnastics program to each Reserve located approximately 40km from the centre.
Winnipeg Wave Swim Club (Swimming)	The Winnipeg Wave Swim Club is one of the oldest and most ethnically diverse swim clubs in Winnipeg.  The TSCF will support the ‘I can swim’ youth program and allow the club to subsidize registration fees for low income families and purchase much needed equipment for the program.  The funds would also be used to assist more senior swimmers pursue lifeguard certification and become mentors within the club.
Wolfville School Playground Improvement Committee (Soccer)	The Wolfville School Playground Improvement Committee is made up of a group of volunteer parents and teachers who are working together to improve the deteriorating playground and recreation area at their school.  The Committee plans to re-surface the current sport field at the school for use during physical education classes as well as for extra –curricular sport leagues.  This new field will also impact many community groups and the local soccer club who are all in desperate need of appropriate facilities.  This investment will dramatically increase the access to sport and recreation opportunities for area youth.
Longlac Cross Country Ski Club (Cross Country Skiing)	The Longlac Cross Country Ski Club is located in a community with a high percentage of low income families and very few accessible recreation opportunities.  The club plans to use the funds to purchase cross country ski equipment that will be made available to local schools and community groups in the surrounding area.  The club has developed relationships with several local teachers who have organized frequent student trips to the club as it is located within walking distance.
Tsay Keh Dene (Hockey)	Tsay Keh Dene is a small remote First Nations community experiencing many social challenges.  Due to the remote location of the community, a lack of sporting equipment and a shortage of coaches, there are presently no sport opportunities for children and youth.   In recent years, the community has built an outdoor rink however the greatest barrier to sport participation remains the lack of hockey and skating equipment.   The TSCF will provide funds for the creation of a hockey equipment loaning program which will last for several years.  As part of this project, youth will also be taught how to flood and maintain the rink.
Islamic Soccer League (Soccer)	The Islamic Soccer league was created in order to build positive relationships amongst youth of diverse backgrounds through the sport of soccer.  The league strives to instill a sense of pride and self esteem in participants which leads to long term positive change for both participants and the community.  There are currently over 1200 players in the league and an ever growing list of community volunteers.  The TSCF will provide funds for coaching certification and development which will allow the club to maintain very low registration fees for the children and youth in this community.
Parkland Youth Football (Football)	Parkland Youth Football offers an opportunity for Grade 7 and 8 students to participate in organized football at minimal cost and is geared to students who may not have an interest in other sports or don’t feel like they fit into other programs.  It is promoted as a place where everyone is welcome regardless of ability or socio-economic status.  After only one season, the organization noted that youth involved in the first year of the program began to take on leadership roles within the league.  The TSCF will be used to purchase much needed player equipment, which will be shared throughout the league.
Acadia Minor Hockey Association (Sledge Hockey)	The TSCF will assist SportAbility and Acadia Minor Hockey to create a sustainable sledge Hockey program.  There is currently a small program operating in this community but the demand far outstrips the current capacity of this club. Most sport opportunities for disabled youth are located over 200km away and this travel is unrealistic for many low income families.  In fact over three quarters of the current roster of players require financial assistance.  The funds will be used to purchase additional sleds and to subsidize registration fees so the program can accommodate more players thus allowing disabled youth in this community to have access to an inclusive and accessible program.
Whitecalf Sports Centre Hockey Academy (Hockey)	This project focuses on the development of hockey skills for youth from the Starblanket First Nation and surrounding communities.  The program provides skill development sessions, power skating lessons and a learn to skate program at minimal cost.  This program is a well supported by the community and part of the philosophy is to engage community members in the organizing of these programs and build community capacity. The funds will be used to purchase equipment and subsidize registration fees.   Funds will also be used for minor upgrades and repair to the arena in order to ensure the safety of spectators.
Northern Regional Recreation Centre Inc.(N.R.R.C.) (Hockey)	The N.R.R.C. has recently secured a lease to re-open the local hockey arena which had been closed for the past three years.  As a result, over this period, the children and youth in this community have not had access to public skating or hockey which has led to a decrease in skating abilities and interest amongst youth.  This program aims to encourage families to skate together every Sunday night during a ‘Family Hockey Night’ which will be the first and only skating program for families in the region.  The TSCF will be used to purchase equipment for this initiative.
Westview Community School (Archery)	This primarily Aboriginal school is rated as one of the highest needs school in Saskatchewan and many students are considered to be at risk.  The school has started educating children in Archery as a way of supporting traditional Aboriginal culture.   The bow and arrow were intrinsic to the way of life for many First Nations groups and still is today.  The school is fortunate to have a highly skilled teacher who is able to teach archery and has implemented the archery program as part of the physical education program.  The TSCF will provide funding towards the purchase of equipment.
The Boys and Girls Club of Summerside (Ball Hockey)	The Boys and Girls Club of Summerside strives to offer children and youth from all economic cultural and social backgrounds access to sport and recreation opportunities.  They have been running a successful ‘Cardio Kids Ball Hockey Superstars’ program for several years and now plan to expand this program through a partnership with a local Native Reserve.  This partnership will provide access to the Ball Hockey program for Native children and youth several times a week throughout the season.  It will also provide a valuable cultural and social experience for all the youth involved.   The TSCF will provide support for this expansion and provide funds towards transportation and associated equipment costs.