Thank you, Neal Ewers, for 10 incredible years of service!
Farewell and thank you to Neal Ewers
We say goodbye to Neal Ewers, the Executive Director of BTS, with a mix of sadness and gratitude. For ten years, Neal poured his heart and soul into BTS, shaping our programs and the futures of the children and youth we serve. His vision and dedication have created a legacy to inspire future BTS participants.
Neal's impact
Neal Ewers speaking to CBC about the Wrestle the North event.
BTS grew from a small non-profit into a respected charity that became a vital community organization supporting low-income children and youth across the GTA. Although wrestling is quite a niche sport and not the easiest sell, through his hard work and determination, Neal brought wrestling programs to more than 28,000 children and youth across the GTA, demonstrating how the sport can teach discipline, resilience and personal growth, helping youth to realize their full potential both on and off the mat.
Under his leadership, we raised almost $1.8 million to support our mission, impacting thousands of young people. His work brought us many milestones, including:
Wrestle the North, Girl's Edition, 2018
Launching the successful Wrestle the North Event
Growing our Wrestle 4 Fun program to reach over 27,000 children and youth
Creating 14 after-school wrestling programs that provided a safe, empowering space for youth
Gaining charitable status with the CRA, securing BTS’s future
Establishing a partnership with eGaming, which has sustained our programs for the long term
Pivoting during the pandemic by creating the Level Up & You Grow Girl programs, which have impacted over 1,800 participants to date
Strengthening our organization through capacity-building and resilience-focused initiatives
Building partnerships with key school boards like the Toronto District School Board and Peel District School Board
Bringing Olympic champions like the Belaglazov brothers and Erica Wiebe to inspire and coach our youth
Neal the coach
Coach Neal in action with Arely, Brea, Tarleen & Tarnpreet
Neal's experience as a former top-ten world wrestler shaped his time as Executive Director. Bringing discipline and determination to everything he did, his warmth, compassion, and hands-on approach really set him apart. He wasn't just a leader but a coach, mental coach, and role model. The relationships he built with participants over the years, many of which are still strong today, demonstrate how much he cared.
One unique highlight of Neal is his ability to see every challenge as an opportunity for development, growth, and success. This positive outlook was useful, especially during tough times like the pandemic. His positive attitude was often contagious and motivated staff and participants alike. His belief in each person's potential, whether staff or participant, always came through.
Gratitude
Neal Ewers reflecting on a decade of impacts at the 10th Anniversary Fundraiser
We are grateful for Neal's commitment, energy and passion. He has left his unique mark on BTS and the lives of the young people we serve. His legacy is one of hard work, perseverance and that wrestler mentality that anything is possible! The lives he has impacted and the hope he has built will continue to inspire us long after he has left us. We wish him the best of luck in his future adventures and look forward to seeing the impact his next challenge will have.
Looking to the future
As we look to the future, we are confident that Neal has set us up for continued success. John Park, our founder, will serve as volunteer Executive Director while the Board of Directors evaluates the next steps in our evolution.
Message from John Park, BTS Founder
I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Neal over the past 10 years to build a sustainable and healthy organization and develop programs that serve our young people across the GTA. I always knew Neal had the best interests of both the organization and the kids at heart at all times.
The fact that Beat the Sreets was able to gain its charity designation and secure access to Casino eGaming funding during the COVID-19 pandemic indicates the level of commitment Neal has held for our program.
It's not “so long” as much as it is “see you later” for me as I am sure we will interact frequently through our shared love of this sport of ours as well as our concern for the welfare of young people. I am sure our friendship will last for many years into the future.
Neal, it has been a pleasure to get to know you, good luck and “see you later”.
