Riverside Sports Reaches New Heights in the Community

By: Michael Hugall

The Riverside Sports program is making substantial contributions to local athletes in Windsor.

Founded in 1996 by Phil Haddad, the Riverside Sports program has given back to many, young athletes by graduating them to higher levels of post-secondary competition. In most cases they provide many young athletes a chance to develop their skills. President of Riverside Sports, James Kennedy has been coaching basketball with the Riverside Falcons for 12 years and was named president of the organization in 2004.

“I started off coaching my own kids when they were in small ball,” said Kennedy. “I ended up staying with the program because I enjoyed helping the younger players develop … while learning how to play properly.”

Riverside Sports is a not for profit organization that has grown to more than just basketball. Riverside Sports began a golf program as well as a co-ed badminton program that competes at a provincial level.

“We’ve helped a lot of people who may not have the income to play,” said Kennedy. “We just want the kids to have all the opportunities that were presented to us when we were children.”

Riverside Sports has also done a lot to help underprivileged youth have fun and interact with fellow teammates. In 2008 they merged with the Riverside Fun Camp and began a multi-sport summer camp at St. Joseph’s High School, for those who wish to be active. “ I loved being a leader at the camp, it gave me the ability to have fun teaching kids how to play sports the right way,” said counselor Kellen Leclair.

Leclair had been a counselor at the Riverside Sports Camp for two years and if not for a football career at the University of Windsor, he would have re-applied. “Being a student, it was a summer dream job, waking up and playing sports all day. What else would be as fun doing?” said Leclair.

Riverside Sports has also played a role helping athletes coming out of University. In 2010 after former president Karen Harvie died due to cancer, Riverside Sports developed a bursary in her honor that gives athletes up to $100,000 the largest self-funding scholarship at the University of Windsor.