A week at summer camp can mean new friends, new skills and a little more confidence for a child. For some families, the cost can make that opportunity difficult to reach. PISE is hoping to change that, launching a campaign to raise $150,000 to help more children and youth across Greater Victoria take part in sport, physical activity and programs that can help them stay active for life. The campaign will support youth scholarships and PISE’s Play Your Way grant, which helps families access summer camps and programs throughout the year. This summer, 68 children received support through the grant to attend a week of summer camp at PISE. For young athletes, financial support can also help keep long term goals within reach. Ishan Shesthra, a student in PISE’s Canadian Sport School program, is receiving help with his tuition while pursuing his soccer goals. “This scholarship will make a meaningful difference in helping me pursue my goals. It will help reduce some of the financial pressure on my parents, who have made many sacrifices to support my soccer journey. Knowing that I have received this support also motivates me to stay focused on my dream, continue working hard, and overcome any obstacles that may come my way,” Shesthra said in the release. PISE CEO Robert Bettauer said the benefits of making sport accessible can extend well beyond the playing surface. “At PISE, we see firsthand the difference that access to sport and physical literacy can make in a young person’s life. The impact goes beyond the playing field. It builds confidence, resilience, friendships, and healthy habits that last a lifetime,” Bettauer said in the release. The organization says the campaign is designed to reach children at different stages, from those taking part in introductory programs and summer camps to youth pursuing high-performance sport. “Our goal of raising $150,000 will help more children access programs and summer camps, while providing scholarships that support youth in reaching their full athletic potential. We invite our community to join us in making these opportunities possible,” Bettauer said. PISE is a charitable nonprofit organization that provides physical literacy, sport and health programming across South Vancouver Island. It also operates the Canadian Sport School for high-performance athletes in Grades 10 to 12. Donations can be made through PISE’s website.
