PISE Campaign to Help Greater Victoria Schoolchildren Get Active
Local group calls on community to raise $150,000 as students return to school
VICTORIA, B.C., (Songhees, xʷsepsəm and W̱ SÁNEĆ territories), August 27, 2025 – As classes resume across Greater Victoria, PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) has launched a
campaign to raise $150,000 by December to expand access to inclusive, high-quality physical activity for schoolchildren.
PISE, a local not-for-profit, partners with schools to help every student, regardless of background or ability, build the skills to lead active, healthy lives. “Our school programs give thousands of students more opportunities to move, learn and grow,” said Chris Wright, Manager of Physical Literacy Development at PISE. “Developing physical literacy is foundational, as children gain the motivation they need to be active for life.”
Last year, PISE reached over 10,000 children and youth through school programs and camps. This year, it aims to support 5,000 more, including continuing programming for 500 Indigenous students through partnerships with school districts and Indigenous organizations such as the Songhees Nation and W̱ SÁNEĆ Leadership Secondary School.
Parents and educators say PISE’s programs are making a difference. “PISE’s lessons are wellstructured, inclusive and help inspire confidence in all our students,” said Luke Forand, a Physical
and Health Education teacher at George Jay Elementary. “I appreciated the commitment to instilling teamwork, communication, creativity and sportsmanship, qualities that will benefit our students beyond the gym.”
One of the young adults supported by PISE is 23-year-old Wally Trotter. After attending summer inclusive camps and school programs run by the organization, Wally secured his first job at PISE’s
fitness centre in Grade 12 through the Job Journey program. “For the past five and a half years, he has brought positive energy and is an enthusiastic employee who is well supported in his
employment in both the fitness centre, and as part of the physical literacy program [as a leader] in after-school care and spring break and summer camps,” said his mother, Wendy Trotter. “These
experiences have built his self-confidence and leadership skills. PISE has been a vital part of his development, and we are grateful for their ongoing support.”
“With donor support, we can bring these programs to more schools, ensuring that every child will be seen, supported and inspired to move,” said PISE’s Chief Executive Officer Robert Bettauer. “A
$10,000 donation funds two months of inclusive, confidence-building programming for one elementary school. Your support fuels transformation, helping children build healthier bodies,
stronger minds and brighter futures.”
To learn about the fundraising campaign and donate to PISE, people can visit www.pise.ca/donate/
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About PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education)
PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) is a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to transforming lives through healthy activity and sport. PISE provides education, programs and
services for children, youth and adults across South Vancouver Island, focusing on inclusion, physical literacy, active living, and the development of performance sports. PISE annually reaches
over 10,000 children through various programs.
Media Contact
Masami Teramachi | Tartanbond, Account Executive
Masami.Teramachi@tartanbond.com | (250)216-0900
Stacey Lund | PISE, Business Development Manager
slund@pise.ca | (250) 220-2513
