Third annual Premier Cup Gala encourages spirit of giving

Batting for mental health: the third annual Premier Cup Gala recognized local cricketeers and raised over $15,000 for a Canadian organization that spreads awareness about mental health

By: Gazalla Hirji

The Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for Ontario’s (AKYSB) Annual Premier Cup Gala was held to support Jack.org, a charity committed to ending the stigma surrounding mental health. Currently in its third year, the fundraising Gala encourages sportsmanship and community-building, celebrates talent, and instills the spirit of giving by partnering with not-for-profit organizations. More than 350 guests attended the event, which took place on September 24, 2016 at Swagat Banquet Hall in Mississauga and raised over $15,000 for Jack.org.

The Gala was a celebration for the athletes who participated in the AKYSB’s fifth annual Premier Cup cricket tournament, which was held over Labour Day long weekend (September 3-4, 2016). Major goals of the tournament include promoting an active lifestyle and bringing athletes of different backgrounds, ages and skill levels together. The tournament has seen much growth over the past few years, as evidenced by its current inclusion of players from other provinces and its passionate group of female cricketeers. The tournament began in 2012 with ten teams comprised of 150 male participants; it now hosts 34 teams and more than 400 participants, including over 100 female players. Ages range from six to 72 years old.

The Gala is an opportunity to celebrate the inclusive spirit of the cricket tournament and inspire talent through awards and recognition.

“The Gala represents the best tradition of the Ismaili Muslim community in giving back to the community at large and by focusing on critical issues of our times,” said Ismaili Council for Ontario President Sheherazade Hirji. “The mental health of young Canadians is one of the most critical issues of our time.”

Jack.org was founded in 2010 by Eric Windeler and Sandra Hanington after the tragic loss of their 18-year-old son, Jack, to suicide. He had been quietly suffering from mental illness and, like so many other young Canadians, didn’t feel like he was able to ask for help. His parents decided the charity’s mission would be “to create a national network of passionate young leaders focused on a cultural shift in the mental health conversation.” According to Jack.org, one in five Canadians will have struggled with mental illness by age 25. Sadly, many of those young people will lose their battles as a direct result of not receiving the help and support they need.

Now, the organization works with youth across Canada to raise awareness about, and put an end to stigmas relating to, mental health. Its various hands-on programs strive to create young leaders passionate about changing Canada’s stance regarding mental health.

Each year, speakers and notable members from outside communities attend the Gala, resulting in a night of building bridges between different communities and opening lines of communication. This year’s speakers included Jack.org founder, Mr. Windeler; Aly Shamsy, Chairman of AKYSB Ontario; Basdeo Dhookie, president of the Canada Cricket Umpires Association; and Saurabh Naik, president of the Toronto Cricket Umpires Association.

“The Gala gives you a platform to generate money to give back to the community,” said Shehzad Patel, Premier Cup programme manager for AKYSB. “We wanted to determine how cricket can become a platform where you can make a difference…and we’re trying to create a direct link between cricket and giving back to communities.”

In previous years, the Gala has benefited the Valley Park Go Green Cricket Field project and Reh’ma Community Services, raising $10,000 and $5000 (respectively) in support of each objective.

“We are so proud of the efforts of our cricketeers to help raise awareness and support for these important causes,” continued President Hirji.

The tournament’s Cricket Captains set an excellent example by becoming Ambassadors and dedicating their time to finding sponsors to support the current strategic partner or foundation. Both Ambassadors and players are recognized for their hard work and participation during the Gala.

“Ambassadors become our beacons to reach our objective,” said Mr. Patel. “They sought donations, and received a ton of support, from members outside the Ismaili community.”

Thanks to the hard work of those involved in the Gala, Jack.org has recently committed to hosting outreach sessions within the Ismaili community to raise awareness about mental health.