“Our project addresses the issue of inclusion of disabled persons in athletic sports. There are no team sports in this region for power-wheelchair athletes besides soccer. Just giving these athletes a chance to participate in a tournament makes it a success.”
This powerful appeal, from a team of young disabled soccer players from Penticton, secured them a $1,200 grant to realize their vision. They are one of the ten Okanagan teams to receive Telus Live United Youth Project Grants, a pilot program launched to inspire youth to create social change. The grant will fund the B.C. Storm Power-Wheelchair Soccer Tournament in Penticton, in partnership with United Way and with support from People in Motion.
““Telus believes it is important to give where we live and strives to invest where youth can be empowered to create real, visible changes on things that matter most to them,” explains Steve Jenkins, Telus General Manager for the Interior South Region.“These youth have the passion and drive. They need support just to get in the game, and we’re going to make sure they get to play.”
Five youth teams from Penticton and Summerland will share their plans at a gathering on February 24, 2011.
Members of the media are encouraged to attend and meet these inspiring young people as they embark on tackling social issues as diverse as environmental protection, self-esteem and food security. Please join us as we congratulate these youth teams:
February 24, 4 - 5 p.m.
Penticton Secondary School’s Multi-Purpose Room