NCE8: South Riverdale: Little Asia [2007, 2006 Champions]
Location
Lakeshore & Don Roadway. 22.5k out and 38.5k back.
Theme
Everything Asia! From bands to dragon and ribbon dancers.
Times runners pass by and entertainment happens
8:35am to 1:45pm
On this page:
Neighbourhood Champion: Gregory Chang
Gregory Chang is running his third Toronto Waterfront marathon this year and looking to demolish his 4 hour run time last year. He has served as NAAAP Toronto's Treasurer for five years and is currently Manager of Financial Reporting at Corus Entertainment's Radio Division. "With NAAAP, I find I'm always meeting someone interesting or learning something new. The executive board always has fantastic energy and NAAAP members come from all kinds of professions and experiences. Sometimes it's easy to forget that the group also has a strong community voice, which I've truly come to appreciate. Mon Sheong has such a great group of people and the work they do for the elderly is wonderful. Working together with their passionate volunteer team has been pure joy for us. Mon Sheong and NAAAP Toronto's 'Little Asia' has won 1st place in the cheering section competition for two years in a row! Time to go for the three-peat guys!"
Please put a pledge on Greg Chang, TODAY, to help the seniors of the Mon Sheong Foundation
Neighbourhood Champion: Francis Tam
Francis Tam works at Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) as a Software Engineer. Since 2005, he has also worked for Scotiabank where he is a Senior Programmer. In his current role, Francis facilitates as a problem solver and provides innovative software solutions to AMD's internal clients. These duties combine with his special interest in web development, where the aforementioned solutions are often based on. Francis lives in Richmond Hill with his parents, younger brother, and two pet rabbits. A special mention to include his grandfather who lives under the care of Mon Sheong Long Term Care Centre in Richmond Hill. When not working, Francis likes to enjoy various outdoor activities (soccer, jogging, badminton), contribute to community via volunteering, play with up-to-date gadgets, some video games, and last but not least, tend to the pet rabbits at home. Francis is also an active member of his Catholic Church's regular Mass choir.
Please put a pledge on Francis Tam, TODAY, to help the seniors of the Mon Sheong Foundation
Neighbourhood Champion: Matt Tham
Matt Tham is running in his first organized run and will be supporting Little Asia in support of the Mon Sheong Foundation at the Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon this year. As a recent engineering graduate from the University of Waterloo, Matt is currently a Business Analyst with Bell Mobility's Marketing Division, as well as a member of NAAAP Toronto's marketing team. He is hoping to gain experience in marketing while gaining exposures to new people and activities through NAAAP's events. In his leisure time, Matt is an avid photographer, reader, and recreational runner of four years with hopes of one day completing a full marathon. "As an aspiring runner, participating in the Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon is a personal goal that I've had for a long time, so running with NAAAP to raise money for a great cause like Mon Sheong is such a good fit. I'm happy to do what I can in order to make a contribution to Mon Sheong."
Please put a pledge on Matt Tham, TODAY, to help the seniors of the Mon Sheong Foundation
Neighbourhood Champion: Gary Lok
Gary Lok is a small business advisor with the City of Toronto Economic Development Office (Enterprise Toronto). "I've always been a big supporter and huge fan of NAAAP because of all their amazing activities and programs in helping the community. Participating in this year's event is just a small way for me to support their efforts and to provide assistance to the great services of the Mon Sheong Foundation. I'm honoured to help a worthy cause." Gary won't be finishing the Half Marathon in record time as his running experience is very limited. "I'm not really an experienced runner but running along a beautiful Toronto Waterfront Marathon course, experiencing great entertainment and cheering fans along the route, and all while helping a wonderful charity such as the Mon Sheong Foundation will easily motivate me to reach the finish line!" Besides volunteering, Gary enjoys trying new things and seeking new challenges. He's a former competitive dragonboat race paddler and enjoys traveling, hiking, and participating in charity fundraising events.
Please put a pledge on Gary Lok, TODAY, to help the seniors of the Mon Sheong Foundation
Neighbourhood Charity & Sponsoring Group:
NAAAP, the North American Association of Asian Professionals, fundraising for Mon Sheong Foundation
Mon Sheong foundation offers support to various Senior Citizens Homes & Groups, in the form of programming, entertainment and various needs for the Seniors. See www.monsheong.org.
Situated on the east side of the Don River in South Riverdale, "Little Chinatown" is a sizeable, vibrant, smaller version of "Big Chinatown" on Spadina Avenue. Located on Gerrard Street, from Broadview to Jones, the neigbourhood definitely provides great restaurants and an immersion in Toronto's Asian experience. Take the "College/Carlton" Streetcar east from Yonge and get out at Broadview, then stroll the neighbourhood. Be sure not to miss the view from Riverdale Park East. Just a few hundred metres north of the Gerrard intersection on Broadview, the panorama from the Sun Yat Sen monument across the peaceful Don River Valley affords one of the best views of downtown from anywhere in the city.
Please come visit and enjoy the neighbourhood, and put a pledge on our champions, Greg Chang and Bernadette Yuen, to help support programmes at Mon Shong for our growing number of seniors in the Chinese and Asian community of Toronto.
NCE8 Sponsors
TBA
Entertainment features:
Little Asia 2008: Featuring the Amazing Toronto Waterfront Games Presented by NAAAP Toronto and the Mon Sheong Foundation
More than just a cheering site... More than a stop on the marathon... Inspired by two award-winning performances... Little Asia 2008 presents an electrifying street carnival that's ready to thrill your senses with the vibrant sights and exciting sounds of the Orient. A spectacular lion dance showcase, breathtaking martial arts demonstrations, and over 10 different cultural song and dance entertainers are only a sampling of the lively spectacle that awaits you.
Created in the spirit of teamwork and fun, it's ALL NEW for 2008!
Get together with your family, friends or coworkers to participate in the Amazing Waterfront Games where teams will compete for Bronze, Silver and Gold medals. Test your mettle and skills at games like Human Foose Ball, Human Tank, Rice Bag Races, Tug of War, Team Cheer Competition and much more to keep you exhilarated! Sign up your team today! Visit www.naaaptoronto.org for full registration details and form.
Little Asia is a fun-filled cultural celebration and not to be missed marathon destination for the whole family. Discover the splendor and the world of Little Asia for yourself!
Access/parking
Little Asia Shuttle Bus Service:
Woodbine & 16th (No Frills) - 7:45am
Fairview Mall (Sears / TTC) - 8am & 9:15am
Kennedy & Steeles (Splendid China Mall) - 9am
** (Above pickup points provide free car parking)
- Reservation Required; Call Sheng Nuo Tours 416-875-9889
- Optional donation of $5
Driving: from the North, travel south on DVP to bottom, take Don Roadway Exit [don't continue on DVP to Gardiner!]; from the East, you can travel westbound on Lakeshore Blvd itself from Leslie to Don Roadway; from the West, take Gardiner Expressway eastbound to the end, go straight ahead down ramp onto Lakeshore Blvd [DON'T go left up the DVP!], continue straight ahead on Lakeshore. Go south on Carlaw to Commissioners, west on Commissioners to Logan, right on Logan and you can park on Logan.
NCE8 is supported by Councillor Pam McConnell (Ward 28)