Funding Request for the Inner-City

Games in Los Angeles (All Wards)

The Policy and Finance Committee reports having concurred with the recommendation embodied in the following joint report (July 14, 1999) from Councillor Olivia Chow and Councillor Joe Pantalone:

Purpose:

This is to request that the Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism to consider the emergency funding request in the amount of $10,000.00 to sponsor two basketball teams of high risk youth participating in the Inner-City Games in Los Angeles.

Source of Funds:

There is no funding source.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism consider the merit of this emergency funding request and report directly to Council with his recommendation.

Background:

The Inner-City Games in Los Angeles, referred to as the "Olympics" of the inner-city, is an annual event which hosts 150,000 high risk youth while competing in various athletic events. An estimated 1 million youth have participated from 13 American cities since its debut in 1991. The Inner-City Games are a response to the growing number of problems facing inner-city youth and are geared toward children who might not have the opportunity to participate in traditional athletic activities because of limited resources or other circumstances. The program emphasizes physical fitness, education and fair play through sports activities and encourages the development of self-esteem, camaraderie and discipline in all endeavours. Since 1991, the Inner City Games have also become an annual event in other American cities such as Orlando, Chicago, Washington, Miami and Atlanta. Urban Alliance and Race Relations, a non-profit charitable advocacy organization that promotes a stable and healthy ethno-racial community, approached the City to sponsor the Toronto athletes from August 12 - 16, 1999 at the Inner-City Games in Los Angeles. They have assembled a group of 36 youth to form one female and one male basketball team, who will become the first international contingent in the Games history. The youth are from high risk communities across Toronto and are between the ages of 13 and 18. The sponsorship they have requested is in the amount of $10,000.00 for transportation, accommodations and meals. Urban Alliance and Race Relations are partnering with the Toronto Police, and to date have fundraised $4,700.00. The Toronto Raptors have agreed to match this amount dollar for dollar which leaves a balance of $7,500.00 which will be achieved through continued fundraising efforts.

Total funding required:$26,900.00

Total raised:$ 4,700.00

Raptors will match:$ 4,700.00

Requested from City of Toronto: $10,000.00

Balance:$ 7,500.00

Comments:

Urban Alliance and Race Relations are participating in the Inner-City Games as an initial effort to understand the organization of these games and look to the potential of Toronto becoming involved in holding our own games on a city wide basis.

By becoming the sponsor of the Toronto teams, the City of Toronto will have the rights to display the City logo on team jerseys, programs, brochures and other paraphernalia. This will provide the opportunity for international exposure during a major athletic event in a foreign venue. As well, the City has the opportunity to show its support for our inner city youth.

Conclusions:

The invitation for Toronto athletes to participate in the Inner-City Games in Los Angeles this summer is an important first step to becoming a future host. Not only will the participants become Inner-City Games Ambassadors, but they will also be able to share their positive experiences with Toronto's youth.

(A copy of the attachment to the foregoing report titled "Youth for Diversity Program - The Inner-City Games, Toronto Project", was forwarded to all Members of Council with the July 20, 1999, agenda of the Policy and Finance Committee and a copy thereof is also on file in the office of the City Clerk.)