"When people think of people with disabilities, they always think in terms of limitations. They never think about the possibilities." - Toronto Blind Tennis player
"I was told that I didn't fit the 'demographic'. That scarred me after he said that. It is a reminder, that based on me being BLACK, I don't make the cut. This is the reason I coach now, so this doesn't happen to anyone of color." - founding member of Change Through Sport
NEWS
September 14, 2025
$74,500 OTF Grant from the Province Has Served Up an Ace for Change Through Sport
Scarborough, ON: On Sunday, MPP Raymond Cho had the chance to meet with representatives from the non-profit group Change Through Sport (CTS) to learn more about the long-term impact that a $74,500 Seed grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation has had over the year. The grant, awarded last fall, has supported the group’s work to develop a Blind Tennis Module that’s focused on the growth and increased access of physical activities through the adapted sport of blind tennis for Torontonians.
“I’m proud to see how OTF’s Seed program is helping to break down barriers and promote inclusion through sport in Scarborough and across Ontario,” said Hon. Raymond Cho, MPP for Scarborough North and Ontario’s Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Change Through Sport’s innovative work in making blind tennis accessible is not only expanding opportunities for physical activity for people with visual impairments, but also strengthening community connections and fostering a sense of belonging. This is a wonderful example of how we are building a more inclusive and active Ontario for people of all abilities.”
OTF’s Seed grant program has been designed to help organizations move forward and implement new initiatives. Over the last year, CTS has been working to create and deploy a train the trainer pilot program that’s going to make blind tennis opportunities more available in several communities in the city. Some of the funds will be used for creating the module, which will become a resource to support increased access points to the sport of blind tennis and wellbeing benefits for its participants. The grant has also helped with staffing, purchasing equipment and some administrative costs as well.
“The support from OTF will have a long-lasting impact,” said Jessica Poon, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, CTS.“ The funds will support the development of a critical resource which may be used and reused time and time again to grow the sport. This endeavour will increase access to physical activities for and with the visually impaired individuals and their communities across the Greater Toronto Area.”
Change Through Sport is a sport for development organization that utilizes sport as a vehicle to increase socio-economic outcomes for its participants. Visit www.changethroughsportcanada.com to find out more about its programs and services.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Alan Ma, Co-founder – Change Through Sport
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August 28, 2025
The Nike Community Impact Fund awards $13,000 in grant funding through the Jamaal Magloire Foundation to support Change Through Sport's Rexdale Volleyball Program in Toronto.
The funding from the Nike Community Impact Fund will support our Rexdale Volleyball Program by increasing access to training and mentorship opportunities for at-risk youth in neighborhood improvement areas within the Rexdale community. The support will allow the program to operate weekly sessions and offer opportunities beyond our pre-pandemic levels!
"This funding is more than a grant - it is investing in futures. It supports unlocking doors to opportunity, equity and hope. This grant is a vote of confidence in the potential of every young person in the Rexdale community, who have been underserved for so long." - Fei Chan, Co-founder of Change Through Sport and founder of Rexdale Volleyball Program
Change Through Sport is a sport for development organization that utilizes sport as a vehicle to increase socio-economic outcomes for its participants. Visit www.changethroughsportcanada.com to find out more about its programs and services.
The Nike Community Impact Fund (NCIF) is a program that empowers employees to fuel change in their communities by getting involved in the grant selection process. This employee-led, neighborhood-focused approach allows us to support organizations that we’re confident can make a big impact on their communities—because no one knows what their neighborhood needs better than the people who live and work there. Visit the NCIF website to learn more about the program.
The mission of the Jamaal Magloire Foundation is to improve the lives of underserved youth by helping them obtain and nature academic and social skills through the arts, sports and community. Visit www.jamaalmagloirefoundation.com to find out more about their work.
Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
July 21, 2025
Canadian Women & Sport awards $4,500 in grant funding from the Next Play program to support Change Through Sport in creating access to sports for girls in Barrie, Ontario.
Through the support of Canadian Women & Sport, Change Through Sport is able to pilot a new multi-sport program for girls in the Barrie region of Ontario. The pilot will include various guest coaches who will introduce a wide range of sports and activities. Participants will also be invited to co-lead sessions with our coaching team to further develop leadership skills. Participants will be identified and registered through a network of social service agencies.
"Receiving funding from Canadian Women & Sport has given us an opportunity to pilot a new program for girls from ages 10-14 in Barrie, Ontario. We have been able to bring a muti-sport program which has exposed a variety of activities such as ballet soccer, volleyball, hip hop, skating, and more! Most of our participants so far have not tried or learned these sports or in a minimal capacity. Alongside our sport session, we have discussed issues of self worth, confidence, how to be a good friend, and more. We are excited to continue our progra m this summer and find out which activities were the favourite of the summer!" - Eeleah Cummins, Barrie Program Associate and Head Coach
Change Through Sport is a sport for development organization that utilizes sport as a vehicle to increase socio-economic outcomes for its participants. Visit www.changethroughsportcanada.com to find out more about its programs and services.
The Next Play program empowers sport leaders with tools and resources to engage more girls and gender-diverse youth from diverse backgrounds in active recreation. Participating organizations will complete training to counter gender bias in program design and receive a grant to fund an initiative they will design during the program. Over the last two years of the program, 288 sport leaders from 140 Ontario-based organizations engaged more than 6000 girls in community-based programming thanks to The Next Play. Visit www.womenandsport.ca to learn more about the program and their work.
Organization Contact for Media Inquiries: