Youth Unleashing Their Inner Athlete

We jokingly nicknamed my dad, “Kelly with the Belly”. Although, he was for 25 years an outstanding member of the YWCA/YMCA in Ottawa, Ontario CANADA. He never lost that belly that was full of LOVE for his children, his friends and his community! On April 16th, 2016, we lost an amazing person. On that day, the funeral home was packed with people that came in with tears, each one of them had a story to share about how my dad wholeheartedly helped them. The staff and members of the YWCA/YMCA shared stories of how much laughter my father brought into their facility. They have honored him by hanging up a plague with his photo in the main corridor of the facility.  

The Kelly Ghaday Youth in Sport Foundation is created in honor of his memory. I know that he would want to see underprivileged youth have an opportunity to shine their light. Discrimination and “Economic” typecasting were not part of my dad’s beliefs nor part of his high morals. He sponsored youth Baseball, Football and Hockey Teams in Ottawa via his restaurants. He volunteered and operated the snack bars at the community hockey rinks while my brothers played hockey.

Every year, in giving a glimmer of hope to underprivileged youth in communities, Velocity Athletic Training will sponsor a youth athlete whose parent (s) are struggling to make ends meet. Athleticism, in a community creates a safer community. A community that lifts underprivileged youth into Sport creates a healthy community. A community that lifts the underprivileged within its own community, is a compassionate one.

Dad, your kind words continue to resonate through me each day as well as your most powerful ones. The powerful teachings or need I say lectures that you shared have shaped me into a strong woman today. You taught me to hold everyone in high regard, no matter what race, creed, economic situation they came from. You also taught me to look at the other side of the coin to ensure that no one takes advantage of me. That there are human vultures in the world and know when to walk away from those who do not reciprocate our morals and values. You were a leader, a compassionate one and through this you have taught me to become the same.

 I miss your unconditional love, unending forgiveness, patience and comforting hugs. The laughter we shared is irreplaceable!  To honor you, I will lead underprivileged youth to their very own leadership role through Athleticism, so that they may share their GREATNESS with the world.

Thank you for everything Dad and until we meet again, I love you. You are a Saint in God’s Kingdom.