Tato Recruiting Grant Program for Future Leaders in Sport: Building Opportunities for Temiskaming Thunder Rep Athletes

The Temiskaming Thunder is proud to celebrate the generosity and commitment of John Beaupré and Tato Recruiting, whose support is directly changing the lives of young athletes in our Northern Ontario communities.

Founded in 2021, Tato Recruiting is an Indigenous-owned IT professional services staffing firm led by president and founder, John Beaupré. Born and raised in New Liskeard, John is a proud TDSS graduate who grew up with basketball as a major part of his life. Now living in Ottawa, he has never forgotten his Northern roots or the important role sport played in shaping his journey. His Tato Recruiting Grant Program for Future Leaders in Sport is a powerful way of giving back — breaking down financial barriers, creating opportunities for Indigenous athletes, and helping more youth in our region access the game they love.

“The Temiskaming Thunder program is so thankful for the support of John and his company, Tato Recruiting. Sport has such a big impact on youth in our communities, and with this grant, we’re able to break down barriers and provide equal opportunities for players and families to join — and stay — in the game. Especially as a new program run entirely by volunteers, this support helps us raise awareness and get more people involved in the sport of basketball.” – Morgan Johanson, President, Co-Founder, and U19 Coach

This season, the program is covering full registration fees for twelve Thunder athletes, ensuring that cost is never the reason a young player has to step away from the court. The grants are divided between two streams:

1) Indigenous Leadership Grant

The Tato Recruiting Indigenous Leadership Grant recognizes athletes who not only excel in sport but also demonstrate leadership, dedication, and a commitment to their communities. We are proud to announce the 2024–2025 recipients:

• Brooke Connors, Nipissing First Nation – Kennabeck

• Bryce King, Timiskaming First Nation – Notre Dame du Nord

• Jayden Wabi, Timiskaming First Nation – Notre Dame du Nord

• Kate Parker, Painted Feather Woodland Métis – Englehart

• Lexee Anderson, Ojibwe – Latchford

• Sam Boucher, Mohawks of Kanesatake – Haileybury

  
  

One Indigenous Grant recipient shared the personal meaning behind this award:

“I’ve always been proud of my Indigenous background and understand the importance of representation. I want to represent Indigenous athletes and Indigenous females in basketball.”

Another recipient added

“I’m learning more about my Indigenous heritage, and this grant allows me to continue honouring that journey while staying involved in the sport I love.”

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2) Financial Need & Leadership Grant

The Tato Recruiting Financial Need & Leadership Grant supports athletes who demonstrate exceptional leadership and face financial challenges that could prevent them from participating in the Thunder rep program. It is designed to help remove barriers for any athlete in need who embodies the values of teamwork, commitment, and leadership.

This past season, a total of six athletes — three female and three male — received the grant. To protect their privacy, we do not share the names of Financial Need & Leadership recipients, but their gratitude speaks volumes:

“Being a single parent has made it challenging to give my kids the same opportunities as others. This grant will allow my child to be part of a team, build confidence, and gain life skills that will help them succeed in the future. They’ll get to play the game they love, continue developing their skills, and most importantly, create memories that will last a lifetime.”

These athletes — whether recipients of the Indigenous Grant or the Financial Need & Leadership Grant — are more than just players. They are leaders in their schools, role models in their communities, and passionate advocates for the sport. Whether competing at the rep or high school level, mentoring youth league players, or volunteering at local events, they represent the next generation of leaders that Tato Recruiting is proud to invest in.

“The cost of living is difficult for many families, and opportunities like this grant make it possible for kids to participate in competitive sports. Without this kind of support, these experiences — the friendships, the skills, and the chance to be part of a team — simply wouldn’t be possible.”

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“Tato Recruiting is one of our five founding partners, alongside incredible support from so many local businesses. Without them, we couldn’t offer the opportunities we do today or keep our registration costs among the lowest in the entire Ontario Basketball Association. Their backing makes this program possible.” – Morgan Johanson, President, Co-Founder, and U19 Girls Coach

By providing targeted support to Indigenous athletes and making competitive sport more accessible to youth across Northern Ontario, John and Tato Recruiting are helping ensure that talent, dedication, and leadership — not financial barriers — determine who gets to stay in the game.

On behalf of the Temiskaming Thunder, our athletes, and their families — thank you, John, for your vision, your generosity, and your belief in the future leaders of our sport. You’ve given young players the opportunity to keep playing the game they love, while making memories and building friendships that will last a lifetime.