We are the Champion - Vision Youth Takes on City Mosaic 2016!

By Katie Li

This past Saturday marked another exciting City Mosaic, a city-wide scavenger hunt and race hosted by one of Vision Youth’s community partners, Across U-Hub. Over sixty teams, and hundreds of participants and volunteers were in attendance, including Vision Youth’s Gold level participants and a team of Bronze counsellors.

All Winning teams on the stage

The day-long event was kicked off bright and early at North York’s Mel Lastman Square. Teams were introduced with the task of “saving the city” from an evil time-travelling organisation looking to destroy Toronto’s heritage. 

01 City Mosaic opening ceremony

By visiting various locations across Toronto, answering questions, and completing “challenge” activities, teams would not only save the city, but top teams would win ‘points’ allowing them to be eligible for some of the many great prizes and awards offered.

With over a hundred questions that could only be answered by visiting the designated landmarks, photo and reconnaissance challenges, scavenger hunts, secret codes, team activities, and less than 7 hours, the pressure was on for all the teams! 

02 The race begins with VY at the lead!

This year, locations included several notable Toronto sites including the Annex, Massey Music Hall, Korean Town, the Hockey Hall of Fame, Union Station, City Hall, the PATH underground walkway system, and the infamous Honest Ed’s discount store. Participants were only permitted to travel via TTC or on foot.

03 With a photo of Ed Mirvish at Honest Ed's

04 Trying 'Hodugwaja' walnut pastries in Korean Town

After a long day of strategizing, scavenging, and travelling through the heart of Toronto, participants were met at the finish line with refreshments, live entertainment, and the award ceremony. 

05 Waiting for results after the race

Vision Youth’s Golds were able to finish in 1^st place with over a thousand points, along with being named the “Top Crew” for their success in completing team challenge activities!

The Counsellor team finished runner-up at 4^th place out of 43 teams in the division.

06 VY's Gold team takes home 1st place and  the 'Top Crew' prize! 

City Mosaic is a great opportunity for youth to not only experience leaving their comfort zones, but interact with the public as well- a vital asset that can often be otherwise hard to come by. For many participants, City Mosaic can serve as a first time for exploring the city with friends, while also allowing for the discovery of hidden local landmarks and the city’s rich history and diversity.