DTA in the community- Summer 2013 - LATEST NEWS

On Sunday the 21st July, 2013 Durham Tamil Association had its Annual sports meet at the Greenwood Conservation Area in Ajax with pomp and show. With over 168 adults, 93 kids and 48 youth a large crowd had gathered to enjoy the day’s festivities. Members of all ages from the Durham Tamil Association took part in the day’s events energetically, and even the youngest budding athletes had the chance to participate in obstacle courses. Numerous activities including Jumping Castle, various carnival games ,cotton candy, popcorn and sno cones were also there for the kids. The main objective of this sports meet was to edify DTA members about the value of healthy and happy living. Josh Suresh,President of DTA emphasized the significance of maintaining healthy and happy life. He also advised to utilize youth power to build an ethic and peaceful society and bring unity in the community. At the sports meet, Mr. Joe Dickson – MPP Ajax-Pickering, MP Corneliu Chisu , MP & Minister Tracy MacCharles - Pickering,Scarborough East, Steve Parish - Mayor of Town of Ajax , Renrick Ashby – Ajax Councillor, Peter Roudrigues – Pickering Councillor, Roland Rutland of Baha'i Community of Ajax, Esther Enyolu - Executive Director of WMRCC and other community leaders were present . The major highlight of the event were the competition in various types of sports like Volleyball, Kabaddi,Tug-of-war,Relay,Sack jumping ,Running Race,Jello Eating race, Musical Hoop,Dice Picking Game and three-legged race . All the prize winners were awarded with medals by the chief guests. Kids and youth had many games and were kept entertained by Mano Pancharatam – Secretary of DTA who coped the show with its joie de vivre till the end. DTA provided delicious vegetarian and non vegetarian lunch like Burgers, Hotdogs which was made by Mr.Uthayan Manickavasagar and Mr.Gnanamoorthy Manickavasagar.Most popular mutton Srilankan Dish Koththu Roti was prepared in the live cooking station by Kanga Sivanathan - VP of DTA who also took care of the logistics for the occasion. Thanks to the two great chefs Mr. Swiss Johnson and Mr.Sivakumar Navaneethan who helped him in making Kothu Roti. The traditional and healthy natural drink "Neermor" (Butter Milk) was served to all and was much enjoyed by our dignitaries. Kids' cotton candy,sno-cones and popcorn was available throughout the day and brought excitement to all the young children. President of DTA , Josh Suresh thanked the sponsors of the event McDonald for the delicious juices and Dairy Queen for blizzard ice creams. He also extended his heartfelt appreciation to all the volunteers and the executive members who responded and helped him in all ways to make this event a huge success.

DTA CELEBRATING CANADA DAY 2013 – July 1st

Durham Tamil Association wished 146th Happy Birthday to our beautiful Canada in the most spectacular manner in both destinations of Durham Rotary Park – Ajax and at Kinsmen Park – Pickering on 1st July 2013 . DTA had a traditional booth set up by our enthusiastic youth volunteers in the most prominent location of the park and was well appreciated by the guest as it depicted the value and culture of Tamils. Our youth volunteers partook in this celebration by applying temporary tattoos for kid, handing out candies, Canada flags and pins for all guests who visited our booth with joy and love. Henna was beautifully applied for the guests by Ms.Ashley Kugaraj, Ms.Geeththanah Gnaneswaran and Ms. Luxsiya Kanthavanam in Ajax. In Pickering, Mrs. Dujavanthi Shwetsweare, Mrs. Uma Suresh, Ms. Thiviyaa Jeyaruban applied Henna for the guests. One of the eye-catcher of the event was our kids' colorful performances during this special occasion. The classical Bharathanatyam was showcased by the students and members of Kalainatiyalaya Dance School taught by Mrs. Kalaimathy Vakesan. Traditional folk art Karagattam was performed by Harini Kirupatharan, Bhaviyaa Jeyaruban and Saranya Suresh and this dance choreographed by our youth Ms.Maenusha Raguvaran. We also had the semi folk dance by our young and vibrant artist Maanusha Vijaykumar. Our Master Of Ceremony was our energetic Secretary Mano Pancharatnam who took the audience by his humor.  Our program was applauded by the crowd as it had vibrant colors and spread the wonderful message of our Tamil culture to all Canadians.

DTA  AT  the Relay For Life

Relay for Life is an inspirational, non-competitive, 12-hour overnight fundraising event that brings communities together to celebrate life and fight against cancer. At Relay, people gather with cancer survivors at the sports field and take turns walking laps all night.  People stay overnight in the decorated tent to enjoy music, food, activities, entertainment and to celebrate life. Relay participants make a commitment to raise at least $100 and are supported with the tools to reach their goals. DTA played a vital role in this event as we had many youth volunteers partaking in this occasion, both on May 31st and June 1st .The volunteers actively involved in major works like clean up, providing information to the guests and also participated in the fundraising event. DTA creates volunteering opportunities not only to expand their network, but also enable them to enhance their communication skills.

DTA Celebrating Harmony April 20th 2013

Durham Tamil Association held a spectacular fundraising,  dinner  and dance event to raise funds for the benefit of the Tamil kids  and youth in the Durham region.  The event was  held at La Royal  Banquet Hall in Ajax on the 20th April 2013. Each year more than 150 people  enjoy a night of elegant food and dancing the night away. Participants come  together, which can create a sense of community working  towards a  goal. 

CRICKET ENTHUSIAST - DTA Cricket Training is here

Durtham Tamil Association in partnership with Ajax Cricket Club has made arrangments for DTA members to get some cricket practice at the Ajax Cricket club turf.  The training sessions will be available to DTA members every Tuesdays 6-8PM.  If you are a DTA member, your cost will be $5 per session per person.  If you are interested in this program, please email us at dtaexecutives@gmail.com.  

Ajax Bomb Girls Legacy Campaign's Sail-A-Bration – JULY 7TH 

Durham Tamil Association was invited to volunteer and participate in this noble cause event Sail-A-Bration which was organized to the selfless brave Ajax Girls who helped the country by making bombs during World War 2. DTA's 29 youth volunteers contributed their presence in Oshawa on both the days actively. The youth played a major role in setting up the booth, organized games for children, guiding the incoming traffic, also helping the entire guest with the parking, providing a detailed tour to all guests who approached them with queries. DTA youth also applied Henna tattoos to guest and raised money for the Ajax Bomb Girls Legacy Campaign. Thanks to Town of Ajax for this great opportunity to our youth.

DTA  Props up Stilettos for the Cure
 June 7th 2013

“Stilettos for the Cure” is an event that is not only celebrated  by women but also raises funds for cancer research and supports our community.  This breathtaking event took place in Heydenshore Pavilion - Whitby on Friday  June 7th at 6 pm. There were 350+ high heeled guest gathered together in the  most stunning costumes as it was called the Arabian Nights.  Durham Tamil Association played a vital role at the event  by setting up a booth and providing Henna services that left women looking all  pretty and happy!.  More>>

DTA  at Audley Recreation Centre Official Opening June 8th 2013

DTA took part in the opening grand opening of the new  Audley Recreation Centre, a hub is a place where all Ajax residents can come together to learn, work, and play. The grand  opening was arranged in a very luxurious manner on Saturday June 8 th from 1 pm  till 4 pm to all residents of Ajax , bringing interest to all age  groups.  More>>

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DTA lounches e-tutoring

DTA launches eTutoring pilot. Click here for more information.:
It is with great pride that DTA executives would I like to announce to you the DTA members the soft launch of our new e-Tutoring service in partnership with our friends at Durham Asian Cultural Association (DACA).   This Pilot program is being launched to a selected students from DACA and DTA to try out our new e- learning application via the use of internet and to gather feedback.  Two talented teachers have volunteered their time including DACA’s Yan Fu to teach students who need that extra help.  This pilot program is set to launch on July 30th offering Grade 9, 10 and 11 mathematics preparation courses for students who like to get a head start as they go into the new school year in September as well as for the students who would like to brush up their math.  The pilot will end in Aug. 28 th at which point feedback provided by students and teachers will be incorporated into the e-learning tool in time for full launch in September.  Durham Tamil Association will administer the program in partnership with Durham Asian Cultural Association and Ajax Welcome Centre.  The program will be made available to all communities of interests in Durham and other regions.  We will be adding additional courses in September as we are now getting more Teachers volunteering their time.

Our e-Learning application enables students and parents to get that extra help they need any time anywhere using the Internet medium and emerging technology such as mobile devices (iPad, Galaxy Tab) as well the traditional computers. Parents who find it difficult to drive their children to a tutor or could not afford to have a home tutor, can certainly benefit from this program.  Our children and youth are the future leaders of this great nation and our mission to provide them with good education to lead this community and this nation.

dta yOUTHS  AT CDCD

Durham Tamil Association Youth took part in the Youth Leadership Training program for the second year. This program help the youth to improve their communication skills and leadership qualities and this program was conducted by CDCD in Ajax Welcome Centre on July 3rd and 9th.

Durham Tamil Association supports Pickering Village Festival

The Pickering Jazz Festival had been held at the Pickering Village for the past 10 years.  This year, DTA played a key role from 6th – 9th of June 2013. The 4 days and nights of music and entertainment at the Pickering Village was a real treat for the community as it had music from near and far. Enjoying a weekend of music and sharing in our little community. The Music is the focal point but JAZ is more than that. It’s something that local residents have come to look forward to over the years. They came to listen, dance in the streets and enjoy some sumptuous food. The program flagged off with DTA's brand new Pinnacle Band, consisting of Jeremy Francis and Joshua Francis. This young musicians entertained the crowd in full stretch. DTA's proud icon Ms.Sarika Navanathan's melodious Tamil song accompanied by another dancing icon Ms. Maenusha Raguvarnan was a true treat to the audience. The event would not have been complete without DTA’s charismatic performances brought out by the amazing talented choreographer Mrs. Deepa Sivasangar. Young girls dressed perfectly like belly dancers not only proved their dancing prowess, but also made the audience dance to the step by tapping along with their young partners. Durham Tamil Association not only participated in the event but also assisted in the community cleanup activities. Youth volunteers got together to clean and improve public spaces during the four day musical celebration. It is a great social benefit as it creates more vibrant, healthy, safe, and sustainable communities. DTA always instructs the youth to involve in these kind of activity as they will acquire the skills and knowledge while working with the community. This also increase their social connectivity.