Sunshine Project Shines on Final Weekend

It's not often the OTA experience such high calibre energy and professionalism while working a joint project. When Carolynna Gabriel came to us over a year ago with a request to support her Trillium application, we saw something in her that tweaked our interest. Her passion and energy is unbounded and she continues to pursue this idea that tennis can be opened up to all youth, not just those who can afford it. The Sunshine Project was born and officially launched on March 22 at West Humber Collegiate Institute and has never looked back. What a fitting tribute to an outstanding first year that the closing ceremonies be held at the very place it started.



L-R: Youth coach Camisha, Pomme, Carolynna and Scott enjoy closing ceremonies
at West Humber C.I.

Using OTA's expertise and long-standing excellent reputation in communities across Ontario, Carolynna and her team at Wilmington Tennis Group were able to secure a Trillium grant to run a three-year program that will run each spring for about 6 weeks, providing subsidized tennis lessons for kids age 6-12 in a number of lower-income neighborhoods. After completing her inaugural year, the project has managed to attract almost 300 new kids to the sport, and with the help of KidSport Ontario, many of those kids will be able to continue their enjoyment of tennis through free membership at a number of community clubs in the surrounding area.

This project has one of the strongest collection of partners I have seen in a long time, thanks to Carolynna's perseverance. This includes the City of Toronto, the Ontario Tennis Association, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart foundation, Tennis Canada and Pine Point Tennis Club. After the ceremonies I had a chance to speak with Canadian Tire Jumpstart employee engagement manager Freida Rubletz. She has worked with a lot of sports organizations over the years and was extremely impressed with the way this project came together from the very beginning.

Thanks to all the sponsors L-R: School Trustee John Hastings, Richard Crowell, Trillium volunteer Derek Nighbor.
Front Row L-R: Councillor Vincent Crisanti, Carolynna, JJ, Jumpstart manager Freida Rubletz , Rimzy and Scott

One last story I really need to share is that of father and son duo Richard and Noah. It is a story I hear all too often, but at the same time it is so inspiring. Richard tells me "I raised (Noah) alone in Toronto, Canada without any other family since he was 16 months old.  He started to be involved in tennis since he was 3 or 4.  He has passion for tennis but need more training and practice". He goes on to praise Carolynna and her team, "He makes friends on the court.  That is one of reasons I have been so grateful to Carolynna and her team for creating an opportunity for kids like my son."

Richard explained to me that because of his son's excitement with the whole program, he himself has started to play tennis as part of a family sport. Richard used to play in China and had long forgotten about the sport. When Li Na came on the circuit, he said it changed everything. They got inspired again and are now looking forward to continuing their love of the game. He goes on to say, "I feel motivated to re-pick up rackets and perspire on the tennis court too.  It is good for physical and mental health."

Richard, I couldn't have said it better myself!

Thanks to dad Richard and son Noah for sharing their
tennis story with me!