A ParticipACTION-sponsored Crazy for Cricket Event at Valley Park Middle School

Website Editor • June 14, 2019

A ParticipACTION-sponsored Crazy for Cricket Event at Valley Park Middle School brings Thorncliffe and Flemingdon Park families together to get active and watch the ICC World Cup Cricket Match between India and Pakistan

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/a-participaction-sponsored-crazy-for-cricket-event-at-valley-park-middle-school-brings-thorncliffe-and-flemingdon-park-families-together-to-get-active-and-watch-the-icc-world-cup-cricket-match-between-india-and-pakistan-808106186.html

TORONTO, June 14, 2019 /CNW/ - Join Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park families this Sunday June 16, 2019 to celebrate with two billion fans worldwide as arch rivals India and Pakistan compete in the 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup.

"We are excited to cheer for Pakistan," said Talha Malik, Executive Director of the Go Green Youth Centre, the not-for-profit organization hosting what is a special, memorable and riveting neighbourhood event. "India is a strong team and this will draw large crowds."

GGYC's Crazy for Cricket Event Celebrating ICC World Cup Match between Arch Rivals India and Pakistan (CNW Group/Go Green Youth Centre)

The majority of Thorncliffe and Flemingdon Park families are South Asian with roughly one-third hailing from India and Pakistan. The rivalry between the countries' teams is legendary dating back to their first One Day International match in 1978. This Sunday's match will be held at Old Trafford in Manchester, UK. And starts at VPMS at 5:00 am EST with the game projected on the cafetorium wall at 130 Overlea Blvd.

This is GGYC's fourth Crazy for Cricket event in eight years with the first celebrated during an infamous school sleepover when India and Sri Lanka competed for the championship in 2011. "This event is a favorite," said Gerri Gershon, former Don Valley West trustee and a GGYC board member who coined the phrase Crazy for Cricket in 2011. "It is always heartening to see families of diverse backgrounds come together in the spirit of friendship to cheer on their team despite the rivalry that exists."

This ParticipACTION-sponsored event caps a two-week Canada-wide ParticipACTION Community Challenge aimed at encouraging families to be active. Young talented female athletes from Hijabi Ballers will lead GGYC youth coaches and fans in the "ParticipACTION Second Innings Stretch." Participants can record their exercise in the downloadable ParticipACTION mobile application to compete with other communities. Festivities will also include a $5.00 bagel breakfast and pizza lunch finished with a themed cake made by Pias Passion Bakery.

About Go Green Youth Centre:

GGYC is a grassroots not-for-profit organization which built in 2015 a multi-purpose cricket field in the VPMS backyard. In 2017, LED sports lights were added making GGYC Canada's first illuminated cricket field. A qualified team of local youth lead subsidized summer and year-round programs for more than 350 children in cricket, sports, eco-arts, music, cooking and nutrition. Activities continue this summer despite a looming existential threat posed by the Conservative government's spending cuts. Of GGYC's $300,000 annual budget, $65,000 was supplied by the suspended Ontario Sport & Recreation Communities Fund grant. As well, the slashing of the Conservative government's 2019/20 TDSB Community Use Schools funding envelope means GGYC's $61,000 in free indoor annual school permits are now threatened. This eliminates an important youth-led program for impoverished new immigrant children and will discourage the 40 14- and 15-year old volunteers and 35 youth coaches who lead programs year-round.

GGYC thanks ParticipACTION, Park Properties, Preston Group, WJ Properties, Greenwin Inc., CIBC, Shoppers Drug Mart, the Canada Summer Jobs program, the Toronto District School Board and small local donors for enabling it to stay open this summer. For last summer's Impact report or to register for programs, please visit www.gogreenyouthcentre.ca.

Interview opportunities:

Talha Malik (647) 772-0065, t.malik@gogreenyouthcentre.ca GGYC Executive Director

Gerri Gershon (416) 540-1920, gerrigershon26@gmail.com -Former TDSB DVW Trustee and GGYC Board Member

Ali Baig (416) 727-7906, tbaig@rogers.com GGYC Board Member

SOURCE Go Green Youth Centre

For further information: please contact info@gogreenyouthcentre or call 647-725-2793.

GGYC Summer 2024 Closing Ceremony Celebrates a Season of Success

By Kenzie Kash • August 27, 2024

On the final day of summer camp, GGYC threw a fantastic Summer 2024 Closing Ceremony to celebrate the amazing achievements and fun times of the past few months. The day was filled with a mix of reflection, entertainment, and togetherness. The celebration kicked off as campers arrived at GGYC and were greeted by the first slideshow video, which showcased some of the summer's most memorable moments. Michael Ma, Chief Operating Officer & Director Of Community Wellness, gave an inspiring speech, setting a positive tone for the day. He described GGYC as, "A place where you feel safe, have fun, and make new friendships or strengthen friendships you already have." Next up was Talha Malik, Executive Director, who shared his own heartfelt reflections on the summer. Afterward, campers enjoyed a second slideshow video, showcasing more of the summer's fun activities and shared successes, bringing laughter and joy to the event. The event then moved outdoors where campers and staff gathered for a barbecue, with an ice cream truck adding a sweet touch. There were also bouncy castles, inflatable slides, carnival games and face painting, creating a lively atmosphere where everyone could unwind and have fun after a busy summer. As the day continued, several staff members shared their summer experiences. Shahnaaz Eqbal summed up her time as a counselor with three words, "Amazing, surprising, loving," perfectly capturing the GGYC's spirit. Mohammed Deshmukh from Eco Arts reflected, "This is a full circle moment for me. On the Go Green website, there's a photo of me as a camper at the African Lion Safari. That's one of my biggest takeaways from being here this summer. The kids here may not notice it yet, but they're going to grow with Go Green." Zain, a Leader in Training (LIT), added, "This summer has been a huge success, not just for myself but for Go Green as a whole. I think we had an amazing summer camp this year." The event wrapped up with a cake-cutting ceremony, providing a final shared moment that symbolized the camp's efforts to create lasting memories and offer a fitting end to the season. The GGYC Summer 2024 Closing Ceremony was a joyful and successful event, marking the end of a summer full of growth, friendship, and unforgettable experiences that perfectly reflected the core values and mission of GGYC.