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04/15/2008

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April 14, 2008 11:38 AM - He founded the world's first non-South Asian Kabbadi team, right here in Peel. She has helped Punjabi women in the region who've been victimized by domestic violence.

Peel Regional Police Insp. Barry Dolan and Region of Peel health promotion officer Amandeep Kaur will be honoured on Saturday at a gala recognizing those who have contributed to the GTA's Sikh community.

The Vaisakhi Gala will be held at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. Vaisakhi is one of the most significant holidays on the Sikh calendar. It's an ancient harvest festival in Punjab, India that also marks the beginning of a new solar year, and a new harvest season.



Peel Regional Police Insp. Barry Dolan is being recognized at Saturday's Vaisakhi Gala for his contributions to the GTA's Sikh community.

Dolan, a longtime member of Peel police, founded the Peel Police Kabbadi team in 2002 in an effort to strengthen relations with the larger Sikh community.

Since then, the team, comprised of Peel police officers, has played in several tournaments, both locally and internationally.

"We are the only non-Asian team anywhere in the world," Dolan said. "Our focus has been to become closer to the community and bridge the gap that exists. The benefits gleaned by our community and organization due to the efforts of the Peel Police Kabaddi Team are immeasurable."

Kabbadi is a team sport popular with South Asians. It requires both skill and power and combines characteristics of wrestling and rugby.

Vaisakhi Gala spokesperson Nadia Sandhu said Dolan's efforts have been "both unorthodox and surprising" and have strengthened ties with the Sikh community.
Kaur, meanwhile, has been a health promotion officer with Peel Health Services since 1999. She has a passion for helping those with chronic diseases and has also been helping abused women through a partnership with the Punjabi Community Health Centre. She has numerous research studies to her credit and is a highly-acclaimed public speaker in the South Asian community.

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