Toronto Island trip brings officers closer to kids

A trip to the Toronto Islands made positive waves in the South and West Asian community, with police officers coming together with youth.

The Toronto Police Service South and West Asian Consultative Committee (S&WCC) hosted a BBQ at Long Pond on Centre Island late August, to recognize youth who participated in a basketball tournament earlier in the summer and to strengthen bonds between officers and the community. The S&WCC is made up of volunteers who help link the south and west Asian community with police.

“The youth basketball tournament promotes and encourages interaction between police officers and the various ethnic communities that fall within South and West Asia,” said Const. Kiran Bisla, of the tournament and BBQ, which each drew over 160 youth.

“It stimulates personal development and gives students an opportunity to interact with other youth from across the city and officers.”

Bisla said the BBQ was another opportunity for the community to come together, in this case, to crown the winners of the June 28 tournament, with Toronto Khalsa in first place and Da United Effort in second.

Community members and youth received a shuttle to the island on Toronto Police Marine Unit boats piloted by officers.

S/Supt Mike Federico and Zul Kassamali, co-chairs of the S&WCC, joined officers from Recruiting, the Community Mobilization Unit and 54 Division in celebrating the day on the island.

ProAction Cops & Kids, a charity that funds programs linking police officers with at-risk youth, and Canada Basketball, sponsored the event.