Participation in team sports is essential training for life, particularly for the business world, but countless numbers of the 950,000 children in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are denied the opportunity to play sports because of poverty, family problems and government cutbacks. The S'port for Kids Foundation, a national charitable organization, is presenting S'ports Ball  2000, a Gala Fundraising Event on May 5 at the Premiere Banquet and Convention Centre (Leslie Street at Hwy 7) to raise money for children who cannot afford to participate in organized sports. The Foundation's first S'port Grants will be presented to amateur teams and organizations in the GTA at the event.Global business solutions are increasingly being met by bringing people with different backgrounds together to work towards a common goal and participation in organized sports teaches the necessary skills to make this happen, according to Dwight Lacey, Global Head, Ford Motor Credit. Lacey, an Oakville resident and the first recipient of the S'port for Kids Community Award (1997), was recognized for 35 years of volunteer hockey and golf coaching."Team play is about knowing how to play a position, to work together," says Lacey. "When recruiting, I always look for people who have played on team sports because I know they understand their obligations to team mates and will be great team players in business."Lacey's perspective and the views of Steve Stojko, father of Olympic figure skating champion Elvis Stojko, figure prominently in a video that will be shown at S'ports Ball 2000. The Gala event will feature hockey legend and keynote speaker "Red" Kelly, winner of eight Stanley Cups, numerous achievement awards, and elected to the Canada Sports Hall of Fame, NHL Hockey Hall of Fame and Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, among others. 

Sports celebrities including Olympic gymnast Yvonne Tousek of Cambridge and Bill Bell, Mayor of Richmond Hill and honorary chairman of the Foundation, are scheduled to attend. CFTO news anchor, Pauline Chan will be the Gala MC and international entertainer, Danny Diaz, will perform a musical extravaganza for over 400 guests. Tickets to the event are available by phoning (905) 886-4392

Founded in 1997, the S'port for Kids Foundation promotes the wholeness of youth and creates opportunities for youth through sport.

For Alex Yuan, founder and chairman of the Foundation, it is the concept of sport as life's training ground that encouraged him to establish the national charity. Yuan originally set out to assist children with club dues, equipment and uniforms and quickly realized that the need for funds reaches into all areas of organized amateur sport in Canada.

"With participation in sport, we are shaping tomorrow's leaders," says Yuan, President of A&L Computer Software Ltd. "Young people learn to set goals, develop self confidence and gain leadership skills from sports."

The S'port for Kids Foundation is building the resources and long-term relationships required to reward major sponsors. Its sponsorship program provides corporate recognition, branding and marketing opportunities for companies. Business leaders and community volunteers donate all services to the Foundation and 100 percent of the funds raised are directed to amateur sports.