Toronto City Youth Games -
July 22 to 23, 2000 (All Wards)
The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends the adoption of the
following report (January 4, 2000) from the Commissioner of Economic Development,
Culture and Tourism:
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) the 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 have attracted over one 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 to 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 eight activities with teams
of 10 males and females, with at least one 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 the Economic Development and Parks Committee
endorse the Toronto City Youth Games as a millennium event as well as a major
ongoing City-wide event. The Toronto City Youth Games provide an opportunity to
bring youth between the ages of 13 to 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 Name:
Mr. Jim Bradley, Director , Parks and Recreation North District, Phone: 395-6054,
Fax: 395-0105, Jbradley@city.north-york.on.ca.
_________
Councillor Frances Nunziata, York Humber, appeared before the Economic
Development and Parks Committee in connection with the foregoing matter.