January 4, 2000
To: Economic Development and Parks Committee
From: Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject: Toronto City Youth Games - July 22-23, 2000
All Wards
Purpose:
This report seeks the Committee's endorsement of the Toronto City Youth Games, being
organized as a millennium project for the year 2000.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
There are no financial implications resulting from the adoption of this report.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) Economic Development and Parks Committee endorse the Toronto City Youth Games as a
millennium event; and
(2) if the inaugural event proves successful, the Games be continued on an annual basis.
Background:
The concept for the Toronto City Youth Games was derived from the Inner-City Games, an annual
sports competition in the United States for youth at risk. The Games began in Los Angeles and has
attracted over 1 million youth from 13 American cities since 1991. The concept developed as a
response to the growing number of problems facing inner-city youth. The Games provide for
participation in traditional athletic activities by children who may not otherwise have
these opportunities. The values of sport and the building of friendships in an atmosphere of
competition are engendered in these games.
This year, the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department provided financial support
for the Urban Alliance on Race Relations (a non-profit Toronto based organization) to send a group
of youth from high risk communities in Toronto to compete in the Inner-City Games in Los Angeles.
The Department's partnership with this venture was an important step to becoming a future host for
a similar successful event. The knowledge gained through this participation will be used towards
the launching of the Toronto City Youth Games.
The Toronto City Youth Games will bring together 560 youth aged 13-16 years from across the City
of Toronto to compete in a range sport and recreation activities. Each ward of the City will be
represented by a team engaging in friendly competition and cheered on by the Ward Councillors.
The events will include 8 activities with teams of 10 males and females, with at least 1 participant
per team being a wheelchair athlete. The teams will represent each of the City's wards and will take
place in the facilities of Centennial Park in West District (formerly Etobicoke).
These Games, a combination of competitive sports and cooperative activities, will showcase the
benefits and values of involvement in sport and recreation. It is a well documented fact that this kind
of participation assists youth in developing leadership skills and in coping with life's challenges.
The channelling of energies into positive outcomes can diffuse aggression and lead to healthier life
choices.
Comments:
The Games are being organized as a millennium project for the year 2000, but it is fully intended
that they will continue as a regular event in the City of Toronto.
Sponsors will be sought and encouraged to partner with the City to make this event possible and to
inspire the youth of Toronto.
Sponsors will be given exclusive rights to the games in their sector and will be provided the
opportunity to display signage for the two days of the event. There will also be posters and print
material promoting the Games, and sponsors' logos will be identified on those materials.
Conclusions:
The Department recommends that Committee endorse the Toronto City Youth Games as a
millennium event as well as a major on-going City-wide event. The Toronto City Youth Games is
an opportunity to bring youth between the ages of 13-16 years together in a positive event to
compete and participate. Youth will be represented from each of the City's wards. It is also an
opportunity to develop partnerships with the private sector.
Contact:
Jim Bradley
Director
Parks and Recreation North District
Phone: 395-6054
Fax: 395-0105
Jbradley@city.north-york.on.ca
