Item - 2012.CD13.10

Since 2005, Parks, Forestry and Recreation has addressed the growing need for youth cricket programs and facilities with innovative partnerships and funding arrangements. As one of the fastest growing sports in Toronto, cricket has been used by the Parks, Forestry and Recreation Department as a vehicle to engage youth across the city. Cricket Across the Pond (CAP) and the Toronto Mayor’s School Cricket Championships are examples of two such initiatives.

The Toronto Mayor’s School Cricket Tournament was piloted during the summer of 2011 to support the development of cricket programs in Toronto schools. Due to the high demand and success of last year’s event, this year the program has been expanded. In partnership with the TDSB, TCDSB and CIBC, the weeklong Mayor’s School Cricket Tournament in May will see 40 teams from schools across Toronto competing for the CIBC Trophy.

The Cricket Across the Pond program provides opportunities for youth from Toronto's diverse neighbourhoods to travel to the United Kingdom, represent Toronto and learn valuable leadership skills as ambassadors to our city. The City’s organizing partner, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), is proposing to expand the CAP program with an annual cricket match between the Toronto Mayor’s Team and the London Mayor’s Team.

The costs of these cricket initiatives will be funded by Royal Bank of Canada, CIBC, Tom’s Place, CIMA Canada and other corporate partners. Apart from the dedication of in-kind resources, there is no financial cost to the City of Toronto. This motion seeks Council’s endorsement of these youth cricket initiatives.