David Sidoo, a highly decorated athlete in university and professional football, has never forgotten his roots and is extremely dedicated to promoting youth in sport within his community in Vancouver, BC and the surrounding area.
Recently David was recognized by two different organizations for his contributions to athletics.
Goldie Dhillon, Director of Team Punjabi and Executive Director of Prime Television awarded David the Sports Life Time Achievment Award on behalf of the Kidsplay Foundation for his contribution to the sport of football as a South East Asian. David had a memorable 5-year career with the UBC Thunderbirds, including captaining the team to its 1982 Vanier Cup victory. He went on to be the first Indo-Canadian to play in the CFL and spent five years with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and one year with the BC Lions.
Kids Play is a non profit organization working towards keeping kids away from the lifestyle of drugs, gangs, and violence. Kids Play holds sports tournaments, conferences, and other projects for the youth community to learn about the opportunities they can seize within life. The organization is operated by leaders from all across the Lower Mainland wanting to bring a positive change within the community. Kids Play believes their work will allow the youth to discover the potential they have within themselves to reach greater heights in any aspect of life.
For more information about Kids Play visit www.kidsplayfoundation.com
Kulwinder (Kal) Dosanjh – VPD Detective and Councillor Candidate for the City of Surrey, BC – was on hand to present David with the Vancouver Police Athletic League Youth Soccer Tournament Sponsor Recognition Trophy. Each year the Vancouver Police Athletic League (PAL) organizes a soccer tournament for children attending elementary schools in the Downtown Eastside and East Vancouver. In 2015 close to 1000 children participated. These events wouldn’t be possible without the support of many sponsors and community partners, including David Sidoo.
The Vancouver Police Athletic League (PAL) is a youth crime prevention initiative that uses athletic, recreational and educational programs as a tool to foster positive rapport and mutual trust between police officers and youth.
The objectives of PAL are:
- to provide a safe and supervised environment for kids, giving them an opportunity to work with police officers, who serve as positive role models
- to introduce after-school activities that are coordinated, coached and taught to local youths by police officers
- to promote integrity, respect, fairness and the development of a positive self-image.
- to assist and encourage youths to become involved in community sports and activities
- to enhance self-esteem and motivation
- to promote the learning of successful interpersonal and other skills that help prevent youth crime
For more information about the Vancouver Police Athletic League (PAL) visit vancouver.ca/police/community-policing/youth-outreach/police-athletic-league.html