Local entrepreneur to match donations up to $50,000 to put more kids into sport

One third of Canadian kids don’t get the chance to participate in organized sport – due to financial barriers.

We know this thanks to a small group of parents who, in 2002, noticed that some children in their neighbourhood were not signing up for community sports. This prompted them to question the situation, resulting in the discovery that the issue was cost-related.

These parents then took it upon themselves to make a difference by establishing Athletics 4 Kids (A4K) – with one thing in mind: How participation in sport can benefit all kids.

A4K started out with funding for a few local kids and has since grown into a province-wide initiative that supports more than 1,000 children and youth in BC each year – in over 40 different kinds of sports.

A growing demand to get kids into sport, however, still remains, and A4K needs help from members of the public. That’s why they launched their ‘Double the Scoreboard’ fundraiser earlier this month.

Now, CEO and Founder of Victory Square Technologies Shafin Diamond Tejani has generously pledged to match all donations received by A4K, up to $50,000.

Shafin Diamond Tejani (left)

So this means, if an individual were to donate $100, another $100 would be donated by Victory Square to match the amount. A4K’s goal is to raise $50,000 to be matched to $100,000, so that kids all around BC can enjoy the benefits that come from participating in sports.

Tejani has been a director at A4K since 2013 and his career has been defined by helping and inspiring others in his community. He believes that youth athletic programs are the key to creating a strong foundation for future generations.

“A4K provides children with access to sporting programs that enable our youth to share in the joy of sport and develop important life skills including team work, problem solving and sportsmanship,” Shafin Diamond Tejani said in a press release.

Tejani has stated that matching the pledge of up to $50,000, is an opportunity for himself and Victory Square Technologies to “make a difference in the lives of
disadvantaged youth who are among the most vulnerable citizens in our community.”

The campaign will be running until November 26, and you can donate via A4K.