July 12, 2012
$10,000 pledge helps at-risk Edmonton children have a ball this summer
Forty-nine of Edmonton’s financially challenged families can enjoy a sunnier summer and have a ball, thanks to a $10,000 commitment by The Butler Family Foundation. The Foundation’s pledge benefits families interested in sending their children to NAIT summer volleyball camps.
“This contribution allows us, as coaches, to be in touch with youth that may not otherwise get to experience a sport camp or the sport of volleyball itself,” says NAIT volleyball coach Erminia Russo-Thorpe. “But it’s not only about introducing volleyball; it’s also about keeping the kids active and providing a fun and supportive environment where they can enjoy, and feel good about, themselves.”
Designed to improve participants’ fundamental volleyball skills, the camps also encourage their involvement in group sessions, exercises, games and scrimmages. Off-court activities and disciplined sports drills not only emphasize fun and team play, but also help participants acquire new skills, make new friends, cultivate an active lifestyle and develop increased self-worth.
Along with many other sports and recreation camps, NAIT Athletics and Recreation provides one-week volleyball camps for children between the ages of 8 and 16. The camps operate over four weeks in both 2012 and 2013, and are led by NAIT’s volleyball coaches and camp counsellors.
For more information about the volleyball camps, click here or contact NAIT Recreation at 780.471.7713.
About NAIT
NAIT is one of Canada’s leading polytechnics, with almost 80,000 registrations worldwide in key areas including science, technology and the environment, business, health care and trades. Known for real-world education and student success, NAIT also engages with business and industry in applied research and innovation and provides corporate training around the world. NAIT enrolled its first students - 29 communication electrician apprentices - in 1962 and this year celebrates its 50th anniversary.
About the Butler Family Foundation
A private foundation established in 2007 and based in Edmonton, Alberta, The Butler Family Foundation supports selected organizations across Alberta and focuses primarily on programs for youth and health.