Bills Toronto Series and NFL Canada Support YMCA Youth Fitness in Toronto

ORCHARD PARK, NY, Sept. 20 /CNW/ - The Bills Toronto Series, NFL Canada and the YMCA of Greater Toronto are teaming up for a three-year community partnership. This exciting collaboration will include the renovation of the North York YMCA Youth Zone, a three-year youth fitness membership program at all eight Health, Fitness and Recreation Centres in the Greater Toronto Area, and the establishment of an NFL flag-style youth program. 

The Bills Toronto Series, NFL Canada and the YMCA came together on this project through their shared goal of promoting the importance of health and fitness to children and families.

The Youth Zone at the North York YMCA will be part of the NFL Play 60 movement, encouraging children to be active at least 60 minutes every day. The YMCA established a Youth Advisory Council to help design the project over the next several months. Under the YMCA's supervision, children and teenagers will create a space to call their own. The Youth Zone will feature interactive fitness equipment geared toward children to encourage physical activity in a safe and fun setting.

"The YMCA of Greater Toronto is delighted to be partnering with the Bills Toronto Series and NFL Canada to renovate our North York Youth Zone to promote health and fitness to local youth in a safe, fun and stimulating environment," said Mide Akerewusi, Chief Development Officer, YMCA of Greater Toronto. "This collaboration also helps the YMCA provide much-needed access to our Health, Fitness and Recreation Centres for youth in need of financial assistance."

In addition to the capital project, the program will include membership assistance to be awarded over the next three years. This outreach program was designed to provide families with access to YMCA programs and services. It will be facilitated by the YMCA across all eight locations in the Greater Toronto Area.

"The Bills Toronto Series is thrilled to be part of this terrific initiative with the YMCA, NFL Canada and the Buffalo Bills," said Silvio D'Addario, General Manager, Bills Toronto Series.  "This is yet another initiative demonstrating the Bills Toronto Series commitment to the community and youth in particular."

"The National Football League believes that all children - regardless of economic status or ability - deserve a chance for good health and an active lifestyle," said Dan Quinn, Managing Director, National Football League, Canada.  "Supporting the efforts of the Bills and the YMCA, and integrating football into the YMCA Youth Zone programming, certainly helps us achieve these goals."

"The NFL Play 60 movement is an important youth program that the Bills support," said Russ Brandon, Chief Executive Officer, Buffalo Bills.  "The Bills are proud to partner with the YMCA of Greater Toronto and NFL Canada to increase awareness about the importance of health and fitness and to improve and strengthen the health and fitness programs for youth in the area."

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a dynamic charity connecting with more than 450,000 people at 248 locations across the GTA to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. The YMCA of Greater Toronto is the largest of Canada's 50 YMCAs and serves the population of the GTA, Durham, Peel, York and Halton Regions, as well as Dufferin County. For 157 years, the YMCA has been promoting positive values that build spirit, mind and body. Mirroring the region's diversity, the YMCA welcomes everyone regardless of their background, experiences, or circumstances. Through the Strong Kids Campaign, we strive to ensure no one is turned away because of an inability to pay. The YMCA, in partnership with more than 250 organizations, offers a variety of programs responding to the needs of the community, including employment, education and newcomer programs, youth outreach and intervention, fitness and recreation, child care and camps.  www.ymcagta.org.  For more information please contact Danielle Scheinman, YMCA Greater Toronto, at 416-413-1020 ext: 2339, [email protected].

Founded in 1959, the Buffalo Bills are one of the most storied franchises in the National Football League (NFL).  The Bills have won two American Football League (AFL) Championships (1964 - 1965) and won an NFL record four straight AFC Championships (1990 - 1993) that included four trips to the Super Bowl.  The Bills pride themselves on supporting the Western New York community by establishing player outreach programs, supporting NFL educational and physical fitness youth initiatives and increasing community awareness.  Under the guidance of Hall of Fame member and original team founder, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., the Bills are proud to be a part of the Buffalo community for over 50 years.  For more Bills community relations information, please visit buffalobills.com or call [phone].

- buffalobills.com -

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For further information:

Danielle Scheinman, YMCA Greater Toronto, at 416-413-1020 ext: 2339, [email protected]