News Release

March 1, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ROY CULLEN, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR ETOBICOKE NORTH, TO ANNOUNCE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA'S SUPPORT FOR LOCAL INITIATIVE "HOOPS UNLIMITED BASKETBALL LEAGUE"

Etobicoke - On Monday March 1st, 2004, Mr. Roy Cullen, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North, will announce funding of $25,000 for a youth project called the Hoops Unlimited Basketball League, which provides an opportunity for local youth to play basketball. This is the first portion of a $50,000 Community Mobilization Grant through the National Crime Prevention Program.

"Hoops Unlimited helps to keep young people off the street, and encourages a sense of pride and belonging through team spirit," said Mr. Cullen.

The Hoops Unlimited Basketball League is a program that allows Etobicoke Youth to play basketball, under the supervision and mentorship of adults. The members of this league also participate in post-game workshops designed to promote life skills and values. The league charges a nominal yearly fee to allow anyone in the community the opportunity to join the league, and the program is open to youth across Etobicoke.

The program was launched in September 2002, by a group of local churches. The league is run weekly in local schools throughout Etobicoke. There are currently over 120 members participating in Etobicoke North.

"We want to have safer streets. We want to have citizens feeling that they can be safe in the city of Toronto, and this program is helping to achieve that objective" said Mr. Cullen. "I applaud their efforts in our community."

For further information, please contact:
Ms. Fran Watt, Office Manager
Roy Cullen, M.P. Etobicoke North
Phone: (416) 747-6448
Fax: (416) 747-8295
E-mail: roycullen0@rogers.com