Making A Difference: Sy Silverberg – Society for Kids at Tennis “KATS”

LAAH: What exactly is it that you do?

We teach kids who could normally not afford to learn, how to play tennis. We provide equipment and instruction.

LAAH: When did you start?

Registered as a not-for-profit society with the province of BC in October 2013. Started our first classes April 28, 2014.

LAAH: Why do you do it and what is the motivation or passion that keeps you going?

Our primary concern is that kids today are spending more time in front of their “screens” and less time playing/exercising. The consequences for for health (childhood obesity, increasing incidence of diseases earlier in life etc.) are staggering. It has been predicted that this generation of children will be the first EVER to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents!

LAAH: Do you feel that what you have done so far has made a difference? If so, can you explain how?

Since we are only seven months old and have just started our first series of classes for one of the low income community centres here in Victoria, the answer is no. However, there have been organizations just like ours in Toronto and Ottawa for close to twenty years and in the US for even longer. They show significant impact in many areas of the kids lives; physical, emotional, relational, schooling, behaviour, etc.

LAAH: Who are your allies and supporters in this enterprise?

Tennis BC, a provincial division of Tennis Canada and the South Island Tennis Association have been extremely supportive and helpful. Financially, the TLC Fund for Kids and the Victoria Real Estate Board has been generous supporters.

LAAH: Do you have plans to grow your involvement, to expand the scope of your project? If so, can you elaborate on these plans?

We are focusing on the central part of Victoria initially but hope to extend our reach to the Greater Victoria area.

LAAH: Like anything in life worth working for there must be difficulties and struggles too. Can you share with us what have been your greatest challenges?

I am a retired physician but I have been involved in a number of other businesses during my years of practice and have had the opportunity to experience the difficulties and struggles of which you speak. This being my first venture in the not-for-profit arena. I can’t tell you how surprised and delighted I have been by the lack of such obstacles. Rather than the typical business response ”well, I will see what I can do”, without exception, the responses I have received are more like ”what a great idea! How can I help?”

LAAH: How can people help you?

In the Victoria area, we are seeking tennis-playing volunteers to help with classes. Tennis BC is designing a one-day workshop to train our volunteers. Anywhere else, we would be most appreciative of donations to sustain our efforts.

Society for Kids at Tennis “KATS“

KATS is a charitable organization dedicated to providing disadvantaged kids in Victoria BC with the opportunity to learn the game of tennis as a means to foster physical, emotional and social well-being.  We provide free equipment and lessons.

Website: Society for Kids at Tennis

Photo Credits

All Photos Are © Society for Kids at Tennis “KATS”

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