Appendix 1.1

2007 Mayor’s Youth Task Force events

 

 

Markham Gaming Expo

Saturday and Sunday March 10-11 

 

Location:  Thornhill C.C.

 

Number of participants:  341 (192 computers)

 

Purpose of the event:  The MYTF provided an opportunity for the gaming community in Markham to come out and compete in a weekend tournament.  Winning team qualified for the ESWC tournament located in Paris, France.  This 2 day events provided an opportunity for youth around the world to interact and build friendships.  We had competing teams that came from New York, Texas, Nova Scotia and Brampton.

 

 

Youth Week Kickoff

Sunday, May 6th

 

Location:  Markville Mall

 

Number of participants:  approx. 180

 

Purpose of the event:  The MYTF partnered with Markville Mall to create an amazing lineup that showcased 14 talented acts all done by youth in Markham.  The kickoff show included singing, dancing, belly-dancing and even magic shows.  This annual event included the presentation of the Mayor’s Youth Awards.  This award was presented to selected Markham youth that exhibited high academic achievements and community involvement.  This year there were 3 recipients.

 

 

Battle of the Bands

Friday, May 11th

 

Location:  Milliken Mills C.C.

 

Number of participants:  417

 

Purpose of the event:  The MYTF partnered with giant music equipment supplier (Long and McQuade) and entertainment provider (Sound Plus Show Systems) to throw the first annual MYTF:  Battle of the Bands.  This concert showcased a total of 17 bands within a 3 hour show.  The purpose of this event provided the music community in Markham to come out and celebrate youth on their musical achievements.  Winning band was awarded with gift certificates from Long and McQuade.  All proceeds raised from this event were given to the Canadian Cancer Society.

 

 

Stamp Out Violence Conference

Wednesday, May 23rd

 

Location:  Markham Civic Centre

 

Number of participants:  103

 

Purpose of the event:  In October of 2006 an article from the Toronto Star described an increase in youth violence from the 905 area.  In response to this problem, the MYTF decided to create a conference that will tackle this problem.  In partnership with the Social Service Network, York Region District School Board, YWCA, East Metro Youth Services, Red Cross and 180, the MYTF created a conference that covered areas in Gang Violence, School Violence, Media Violence and Women’s violence.  The conference was well received by students in both high school and elementary school age.  World renowned psychologist Dr. Bruce Ferguson, head of community health systems at the Hospital for Sick Children and a professor at the University of Toronto was the key note speaker at the conference.

 

 

Amazing Markham Race

Saturday, May 26th

 

Location:  throughout Markham


Number of participants:  33

 

Purpose of the event:  the MYTF partnered with Street Kids International to create the 2nd annual Amazing Markham Race.  Youth from all over Markham raised funds in their school to get a chance to compete.  The team that raised the most money from their respective school competed in this year’s day long event.  This year over $6000 was raised and a total of 10 teams competed for a grand prize of $1000.  In the last two years, the MYTF has raised over $15000 for Street Kids International to help tackle youth homelessness.  Team Brownstein from Thornlea Collegiate won this year’s race.

Carnival at Angus Glen

Saturday, May 12th


Location:  Angus Glen Youth Centre

 

Number of Participants:  150

 

Purpose of event:  Carnival – crafts, face painting, balloon animals, sucker tree, popcorn and sno-cones.  Just a day of celebration.

 

 

Milliken Road Hockey Tournament

Saturday, May 12th

 

Location:  Milliken Mills C.C.

 

Number of participants:  11 teams, 68 participants

 

Purpose of event: Road Hockey Tournament.

 

 

Skateboard Demo/Competition

Saturday, May 12th

 

Location:  Centennial Skate Park

 

Number of participants:  Approx. 200

 

Purpose of event:  Partnered with DBS Skate supplier to offer a free skateboard competition for the youth in the community.

 

 

 

Youth Basketballl Tournament

Saturday, May 12th


Location:  Armadale C.C.

 

Number of participants:  14 teams, 89 participants

 

Purpose of event:  A basketball tournament for youth in the community.