Power of Sports Walk Raises Funds for Youth Development in NDG
Hundreds gathered Wednesday in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce for a fundraiser supporting sports access and mentorship for young people across Quebec.
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The sound of bouncing basketballs and cheering families filled Parc Georges-St-Pierre on Wednesday as hundreds turned out for the Power of Sports Walk-a-thon, an annual fundraiser aimed at helping young people access sports and mentorship opportunities in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce and beyond.
Presented by Montreal Community Cares, the event brought together youth, families, schools, athletes, and community partners for a day of walking, games, and celebration on Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day. The fundraiser supports youth development initiatives through the Montreal Community Cares Foundation and Red Rush Basketball, providing access to sports, educational support, leadership programming, and safe community spaces.
For Denburk Reid, founder and president of Montreal Community Cares, the event is about more than raising money. "Today we're gathered for the Power of Sports because I believe there's true power in youth development," Reid said. "And I think sports has a very big role to play when it comes to that." Funds raised will help families struggling to cover organized sports costs while supporting coaching development and equipment purchases for schools and organizations in need.
Participants took part in a community walk before returning to the park for a family festival featuring basketball, soccer, flag football, music, food, and games. Thirteen-year-old Zion, a member of Red Rush Basketball for six years, said the game helps him release school pressure and stay connected with friends. His 10-year-old sister Enya credited basketball with building her confidence both on and off the court. "Basketball helped me to speak more English," she said. "And it's like being with my friends too."