Canada's #1 Student Athlete
Development Program
TESTIMONIALS
University of Virginia – Dave Leitao, FormerHead Basketball Coach
“Under the direction of Ro Russell, I have seen the program provide opportunities for many young Canadians.Academically,the young men that I have seen come through their program have been more than qualified to excel in the classroom once the get to college. They are Quality people at Grassroots, who have a kid’s interest at heart.
Minister of Children and Family Development - Gordon Hogg
“The combination of a rational support structure, Ro’s personality and his contacts will result in a very progressive and rewarding program.
University at Texas – Rodney Terry, Asst. Coach
“It has been quite impressive and a lesson to see what passion and perseverance can do when they are combined. You (Ro), serve not only as a great basketball coach, but as an outstanding role model to your players.”
Former Player – Brian Hamilton
“GRC has been the best thing that could happen to Toronto in the field of basketball and academics. It keeps kids off the street and gives them an opportunity to pursue their goals and be productive citizen of the community.”
Toronto Sun – Jason Paul, High School Sports Reporter
“They (GRC) have helped endless kids stay focused on their studies as well as give them an outlet to play basketball.”
Toronto Businessman and Sponsor – Bernard Zaionz
“Young people have been given the opportunity to further their education through scholarships at institutions of higher learning, an opportunity that would never have been available to them would it not have been for the outstanding work being done by Grass Roots Canada.”
Toronto Parks and Recreation Division – Gus Falcioni, Manager
“They (GRC) provide a significant skill development and social benefit to a large number of young people.”
Toronto Lawyer – James Cade
"Ro is a coach and mentor to many. He reaches and teaches as much outside the gym as inside. Ro uses basketball as a platform upon which life skills can be taught and developed. He has acted and has continue to act as a supporter, guide and helper to many young men and women through their formative years"
Alumni– Denham Brown, UConn, 2nd Round NBA Draft Pick
"Thank you for an incredible experience! In my neighborhood many of the guys that live here never get the opportunities I got with GRC. GRC has changed my life in so many ways. I have great friendships with players from all over Ontario and North America, my basketball skills have improved tremendously from the intense training and high level of competition, and I am a better student because of the academic support and direction I have been given"
Markham High School Coach and Parent of Alumni – George Kraus
"I would like to thank Ro for the opportunity Chris,Eugene, and Michael had to further develop their basketball skills. These players were challenged by intensely competitive drills and received NCAA exposure. I truly appreciate the hard work and efforts put forth by Ro and others affiliated with the program. The benefits are truly tremendous."
Parent of Alumni– Andrea Brooks
"We were introduced to Mr. Ro Russell and Grassroots Canada three years ago when he became Tristan's basketball coach and mentor. As teenagers across Canada search for their goals and objectives, GRC is always there to assist them in finding their way. we were honoured to witness the respect and gratitude, teens from all socio-economic, racial and ethnic groups demonstrated in the presence of this amazing individual and organization. GRC’s role in the lives of our youth is indeed a great contribution to the mobilization of our global family. The basketball community within Canadian society will evolve into a positive element with the contribution of GRC."
Alumni– Aaron Hutchinson
"I have been a part of this program for at least 4 years. I wasn’t promised anything except their help in my recruiting and development as a player. My recruiting have increased in every year with the program and my skill level has increased. These were the things I believed where going to happen, but things like building character, making life long friendships are what I’m going to remember the most about my time with GRC. Without a scholarship kids like me would have a hard time getting a college education."
Grassroots Canada (GRC) is committed to providing Toronto inner-city youth with
the resources, guidance and scholarship opportunities needed to develop into
well-rounded student individuals and members of the community. Emphasis will be
put on academic achievement, life skill development, community contribution and
basketball skill development in preparation for the transition from high school
to post-secondary education and on.
We have worked with over 3000 student- athletes at different levels in the last
18 yrs and have seen over 500 elite members go off to various scholarship
situations in the US and Canada.
