Twenty years ago, Michael Yat was a student athlete playing soccer on the University of Toronto Varsity field. On Thursday evening, he was standing on the stage in the Goldring Centre's Kimel family fieldhouse, speaking as a guest of honour at an event hosted by the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education to celebrate the contributions and impact of donors on the faculty's vision of advancing healthy living through inclusive movement.
“I remember how challenging it was to be going to school full time, while being on the Varsity Blues soccer team,” said Yat, who graduated from University of Toronto Mississauga in 2008. “I wanted to graduate debt free, so I made sure to fulfill all my academic requirements, while playing competitive soccer with the Blues – and working nights.”
In 2022, Yat, now a successful real estate broker and investor, established the Yat Family student athletes scholarship, the first scholarship of its kind within the faculty, to help Black student varsity soccer athletes have the same rewarding experience that he did while playing competitive soccer through university, without the financial stress.
Yat cited Robert F. Smith, an American billionaire businessman and philanthropist, as an inspiration for giving back.
“I was listening to Robert F. Smith, probably the richest Black man in the US, say ‘if you can’t donate money, donate time’ and that really resonated with me,” said Yat. “There was a time when I couldn’t donate resources, but I donated my time to things I was passionate about.
“I am glad to be able to help in other ways now, but my message is to never let lack of resources stop you from helping others.”
University College alumnus Chris Wansbrough always enjoyed sports. In 1955, he won the hockey intramurals. Four years ago, Wansbrough and his daughter Ruth Gould established the Betty and Chris Wansbrough scholarship in women’s hockey in memory of Ruth’s mother. On Thursday evening, they also made a special appearance at the celebratory event, along with many other friends and supporters of the faculty.
“My parents had three daughters, all involved in sport,” said Gould, who just recently took up hockey and now plays three times a week. “We wanted to give back where we could make the most impact and we chose to support women in sport.
Wansbrough, who received an honorary degree from U of T in 2008 for his philanthropy and service to U of T, said his family wanted to make a difference and discovered the faculty had many valuable programs worthy of support.
“Giving to the women’s hockey program has been one of my greatest pleasures,” he said, adding, “give back when you can, try to make a difference and you’ll be much happier.”
Professor Gretchen Kerr, dean of KPE, spoke of the faculty’s unique mandate to provide impactful research and outstanding undergraduate and graduate education, while also delivering a wide range of co-curricular physical activity and sports programs, and providing opportunities and supports for students from all divisions and campuses to represent the U of T Blues.
“This is a huge undertaking and one that would not be possible without the support and encouragement from our selfless volunteers, generous donors, steadfast partners, and our committed faculty, coaches and staff, whose dedication serves to both ignite and sustain the passion for excellence that drives our extraordinary students and athletes,” said Kerr.
Over the past year, over $1 million dollars were distributed in awards funds, with 226 KPE students and Varsity Blues athletes receiving funds from 150 unique awards and scholarships. A total of 845 student-athletes represented 41 Varsity Blues teams and 50,000 students interacted with the faculty through various Sport & Rec programs.
“This is an extraordinary impact made possible by you,” said Kerr.
U of T student-athlete Ainsley McMurray expressed her gratitude for the steadfast support she received from donors throughout her academic and athletic career.
“In 2022, I was at a crossroads trying to decide whether to continue my academic studies with a master’s degree or to dive head first into swimming,” said McMurray. “There was also a third option: to do my masters part time, which would allow me to train, but also require a significant financial commitment.”
With support from generous donors, McMurray was able to choose option three and now has two academic degrees, numerous U Sport gold medals, two national titles, an OUA athlete of the year designation, and she will be vying for a spot on Canada’s swim team at the Olympic Games this summer in Paris.
“I cannot thank you enough, you have changed my life,” she said.
Track and field athlete Jasmine Lew also spoke of the profound impact a supportive network had on her university experience.
“As student athletes, we are in constant pursuit of excellence, but we couldn’t do it without support from our teammates and coaches, donors and staff,” said Lew, who will be starting her PhD studies in the faculty. “We are blessed with a community that believes in our potential and allows us to pursue our dreams.
“Through your kindness and generosity, you have passed on to us the value of giving back.”