Valley Park Go Green Cricket Field Now Open

loukastheo • June 5, 2015

After 5 years, the Valley Park Go Green Cricket and Sports Field is now open! The environmentally sustainable outdoor not-for-profit sport and recreational facility, offers accessible programming for at-risk youth in Toronto. Go Green’s free programs will protect youth aged 7–18 years old from harm and/or victimization by providing safe and supervised programs and activities outside of school hours at their outdoor recreational facility, as well as inside Valley Park Middle School.

The opening ceremony on Thursday June 5, 2015, consisted of a full day of fun activities funded by the City of Toronto’s Pan Am & ParaPan Festivals Grant program and supported by Jays Care Foundation, MLSE Foundation and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities.

Our beyond 3:30 students from Valley Park Middle School joined Premier Kathleen Wynne at the grand opening ceremony of Canada’s first illuminated cricket field.

Above: Premier Kathleen Wynne at the inaugural celebration of the Go Green Cricket Field, receiving a thank you card from a beyond 3:30 students.

A group of young boys wearing yellow shirts with reebok on them

A group of people are playing shuffleboard in a park

Above: Premier Kathleen Wynne batting in the newly opened Go Green Cricket Field alongside our nutrition coordinator, Julie (left). Beyond 3:30 students waiting for the cricket tournament to begin (right).

Above: Beyond 3:30 students excited to play baseball with the Jays Care Rookie League.

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.