The initiative, called the Toronto Emerging Athletes Mentorship (TEAM) Fund, will see $50,000 (£31,000/€37,000) - $10,000 (£6,000/€7,000) for each of the next five years - going to local student athletes between the ages of 11 and 18 years old to help pay for registration fees, equipment, clothing and the transportation costs associated with attending competitions.

The move comes just two years ahead of the Toronto 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games.

Former world champion hurdler Perdita Felicien was on hand to launch to scheme, which she says will help develop the next generation of Toronto athletes.

"I speak from experience when I say that financial assistance is a very important part of helping young athletes train at the elite levels required for entrance into the provincial, national and international level," she said.

"I am proud to help the next generation of Toronto athletes achieve their dreams."

The grants will be awarded by a selection committee that will consider a range of criteria, including a predisposition to excel in a particular sport, economic circumstances, recommendations and the commitment of a mentoring competitive club to administer the grant.

"TEAM Fund grants are intended to help our promising young athletes get to the next level," said TEAM Fund chair Nancy Lee.

"A key objective for the Toronto Sports Council's involvement in the Ontario Summer Games was to build a base for the future.

"The TEAM Fund helps us fulfil this goal."

Toronto athletes have until October 31, 2013, to apply for the 2014 grant year.

Applications can be made here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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