Transforming Student Experiences: Stuart Ansky’s $20,000 Donation Drives Athletics Forward
The pursuit of personal excellence extends beyond the classroom, encompassing various experiences that shape the growth of our students. At West Island College, philanthropy fosters opportunities that empower future leaders to reach new heights and unlock their full potential. This year, a remarkable donation from Stuart Ansky, one of our dedicated parents, significantly impacted our athletics program — a cause dear to him.
“Sports have been an integral part of my life ever since I was a young man. They were paramount in forming who I am today by allowing me to learn great lessons and skills that I carry to this day. For these reasons, any gift I made to the school needed to be used to enable students greater access to all the benefits that sports offered me.”
Stuart Ansky, WIC Parent
Recognizing the importance of sports in personal development, Mr. Ansky generously directed his gift towards enabling greater access to these benefits for all our students – even those not on a school team. His donation encourages participation in sports, ignites passion, fosters skill development, and nurtures a sense of teamwork and community
A Slam Dunk of Opportunities
Thanks to Ansky’s generous contribution, we held an unforgettable basketball week from December 4th to 8th, inviting all students to partake in a series of clinics led by Trevor Williams. As a former Canadian National team member and the current coach of the Dawson AAA men’s and women’s teams, Trevor brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to our campus. More than 70 students participated in the basketball week, showcasing the widespread enthusiasm and engagement sparked by this initiative.
The week culminated with a visit from the Dawson women’s and men’s basketball teams for interactive drills, inspiring our students to strive for excellence both on and off the court. The overwhelming appreciation from our students displayed the profound impact of such initiatives in nurturing a love for sports.
We also gave some of our students an unforgettable experience: attending the Dawson College doubleheader basketball games. This outing allowed our students to witness firsthand the dedication, skill, and teamwork exhibited by collegiate athletes.
Elevating Training Standards


A significant portion of Ansky’s donation was allocated towards acquiring a cutting-edge Dr. Dish basketball machine. Our in-house videos show that this innovative training equipment revolutionizes our approach to skill development, providing our players with personalized training sessions that enhance their shooting accuracy, agility, and decision-making abilities. The school also acquired new double-sided practice jerseys, offering our athletes premium attire for training sessions and friendly matches. Finally, a baseball pitching machine will soon empower our players to hone their batting skills.
Track to Success
In addition to basketball, Stuart Ansky’s donation allows us to organize several events to inspire our students who love track and field and volleyball.
On May 10th, clinics led by esteemed coaches Sachy Graham-Discus and Allison Frantz were organized for our track and field team. Sachy, a GMAA Record Holder and Team Quebec member, alongside Allison, whose illustrious track record includes records at Dartmouth College and McGill University, gave invaluable lessons and shared techniques in javelin, high jump and disc toss with our students.
Finally, two volleyball clinics are organized in the fall for all our students to prepare and garner excitement for the upcoming season. We are looking forward to these events, as they provide an excellent opportunity for students to learn from excellent coaches, enhance their skills, and build team spirit.
The Power of Philanthropy
Ansky’s donation exemplifies the power of philanthropy to make a difference in the lives of our students. His support reinforces our values of personal excellence, perseverance, and community that lie at the heart of our school’s ethos.
Our athletic program plays a crucial role in the overall development of students, and this donation undoubtedly provided the students with opportunities to excel and grow both on and off the field. Whether it’s the new equipment, the coaching resources, or the opportunities for our students to participate in tournaments and competitions, Mr.Ansky’s contribution will surely leave a lasting impact on our school community
Glenn Neill, Athletics Coordinator