Youth basketball program receives generous donation

The Lindsay Wildcats basketball program just became more affordable for area youth courtesy of a $3,475 donation by the Lindsay Optimist Club.

In a telephone interview with Kawartha Lakes Weekly, Wildcat President Danielle McNelly explained how the club was chosen for the much-needed funding, and how the money is important to operations.

“We applied for the funds in mid-December,” McNelly said. “The Optimists notified us by email that the request had been approved. The fellows that came (to present the cheque) were very friendly and noted that our funding request was heartfelt and that it was a project that aligned with the Optimist Club. Our promotion of sportsmanship, leadership, discipline and character found resonance with the Optimists. We were very honoured to be awarded these funds by the Optimist Club who give back so much to youth sports in Kawartha Lakes.”

McNelly said that the donation will be used exclusively to offset the costs for local athletes to play rep basketball with the Wildcat club this year.

“Generous support like this is vital to our organization,” McNelly said. “It helps keep our cost low. We want sport to be obtainable. An amazing donation like this allows us to offer basketball for all.”

Brent Walmsley, a long-time member of the 55-year-old service club whose motto is “Friends of Youth,” told Kawartha Lakes Weekly that over a calendar year the Optimists invest the proceeds from their very successful May-June youth soccer program into deserving organizations who also make youth a priority.

“We donate over $20,000 a year,” Walmsley said. “We support youth sports like Wildcat basketball, the Lindsay Lynx girl’s hockey program, BGC Kawarthas (formerly the Lindsay Boys and Girls Club), the Kawartha Art Gallery, and provide bursaries for local youth graduating high school and college.”