Toronto Police Association (TPA) President Dave Wilson receives some BMX riding instruction from Toronto BMX pro rider Jamie Burke at the press conference announcing the BMX Bike Park will be a part of the Via Rail Bremner Street Festival at the 2007 Grey Cup in Toronto, ON, Canada.
Jamie Burke and fellow Toronto BMX pro rider Chris Silva were hired by the City of Toronto Parks Forestry and Recreation Department to teach youth BMX bike skills at BMX Camps over the summer of 2007 at the Wallace Emerson Community Centre.
Special thanks to Tino DiCastro and Al Crawford for the foresight to give summer jobs to future Canadian Olympians in the BMX Sport. Jamie and Chris have inspired many youth to do their best over the summer, and are role models for youth in the city of Toronto.
Press Conference Text from Argos Foundation:
Toronto - The Argos Foundation - Stop the Violence and its partners announced details of the BMX Bike Park Youth Engagement Project at this year's Grey Cup Festival. Free to the public and open all day, the BMX Bike Park will be housed at the Via Rail Bremner Street Festival during Grey Cup week from November 22 to the 25 and will feature 60 ramps painted by local youth with inspiring murals.
This project is made possible through the generosity of co-presenting sponsors the Toronto Police Association & Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 and community partners Toronto Crime Stoppers, the City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation and bike park donor Michael Heaton. This project begins with the artistic vision of many young artists under the direction of Scott Mills, Toronto Crime Stoppers School Officer & Legal Graffiti Coordinator, Toronto Police Services. The Bike Park has been displayed and used for local activities at Wallace Emerson Community Centre before it will be transported to the Via Rail Bremner Street Festival in November. It will be there that spectators can enjoy watching young BMX enthusiasts participate in skills competitions, learn from local pros, and celebrate excellence in arts and sport.
"This BMX Bike Park is a cornerstone of the Via Rail Bremner Street Festival at Grey Cup 2007, showcasing both the artistic and athletic spirit of our youth. It's great to see young people use their time and skills in a positive manner," said Keith Pelley, Chair of The Argos Foundation - Stop the Violence. "Giving youth a safe place too express themselves and develop their talents are integral goals of both The Argos Foundation and Grey Cup 2007."
"Having a safe and fun place for our youth to meet and play together helps shape positive and constructive values. The young people who have played a role in making this BMX Bike Park happen should be very proud of their efforts and hard work. On behalf of the more than 8,000 members of the Toronto Police Association, we say congratulations for making a valuable contribution to the safety of this great city," said Dave Wilson, President of the Toronto Police Association.
"Our members are on the city's front lines and every day we see a lot of kids hanging around on the streets who would clearly be better off if they had some safe and structured ways to put all their energy and ambition to use. That's why we're supporters of The Argos Foundation - Stop the Violence," said Bob Kinnear, President of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113.
The Argos Foundation - Stop the Violence, launched by the Toronto Argonauts in August 2005, is a community-wide response to the violence that has rocked our city. Encouraging grassroots support, business sponsorship and the active participation of communities, schools and government, "Stop the Violence" focuses on a clear set of goals: to unify a shaken city, to respond to the violence with constructive actions and to strengthen the city's resolve. The Argos Foundation is committed to reducing gun violence, empowering through mentorship and youth engagement, educating on the perils of gun violence and gang involvement and supporting violence prevention and intervention programs.
The Grey Cup is an annual tradition celebrated by Canadians from coast-to-coast since 1909 and is Canada's largest professional sporting event. In addition to the thousands filling Rogers Centre on Sunday, November 25, the Grey Cup will be watched by millions of fans across Canada on CBC and RDS and in more than 160 countries around the globe. Toronto last hosted the Grey Cup in 1992 when Calgary defeated Winnipeg 24-10.
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Chris Silva Warehouse Edit '08by iccsilva7,565 views
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