Great initiative, Tom + team! I'm wondering if you have begun to investigate ways to incorporate programs that address other issues/concerns in the lives of the young people in your area - literacy, obesity, etc.? I didn't notice any mention of ancillary programming besides promoting participation in ice hockey. It seems like you have a fantastic foundation with your program which can present the opportunity to make an even bigger impact in the communities that you hold your clinics. FYI, I know how great a game hockey is because I grew up in the Philly and played my fair share of street and pond hockey! Continued success to you, my man.
Hi Tom:
I agree with Kevin Carroll - I would like to know more about how you are changing lives off the ice. Also, do you host girls only skills clinics and competitions or is everything co-ed?
Thanks for joing the community and good luck in the competition! Take care,
Thank you for your feedback. We have had girls and boys participate with disabilities where this was the one thing that brought a smile to the child's face. In the mom's words, "This mother just wanted you to know that you and your players did more than just teach my child about what it's like to play hockey, you taught acceptance, kindness, understanding, confidence and pride!"
We have had girls-only clinics as we have found that it is less intimidating. We have also made sure to have girls hockey players as on-ice mentors to give them someone to look up to while feeling comfortable that it's another girl.
While these are one-day clinics, the impression left on these children is huge. We've received emails after the fact letting us know that their child is sleeping with their stick or won't wear anything but the jersey we gave them to school and it stems from the pride of trying something new.
The neat thing is many that try a clinic do not know how to skate. Going out on a slippery surface without the ability to skate can be overwhelming and this teaches them to keep trying. We teach them to fall down and to get back up. These fundamentals of the game are no different than life and this is taught in a way that these kids can understand.
The last couple of years we did incorporate a hockey related book in the giveaway bag to encourage reading.
If you have any suggestions on other ways we could positively impact more of the community, we would love to hear your ideas!
Comments
Great initiative, Tom + team! I'm wondering if you have begun to investigate ways to incorporate programs that address other issues/concerns in the lives of the young people in your area - literacy, obesity, etc.? I didn't notice any mention of ancillary programming besides promoting participation in ice hockey. It seems like you have a fantastic foundation with your program which can present the opportunity to make an even bigger impact in the communities that you hold your clinics. FYI, I know how great a game hockey is because I grew up in the Philly and played my fair share of street and pond hockey! Continued success to you, my man.
kevin carroll katalyst
Hi Tom:
I agree with Kevin Carroll - I would like to know more about how you are changing lives off the ice. Also, do you host girls only skills clinics and competitions or is everything co-ed?
Thanks for joing the community and good luck in the competition! Take care,
Kathy
Nike
Thank you for your feedback. We have had girls and boys participate with disabilities where this was the one thing that brought a smile to the child's face. In the mom's words, "This mother just wanted you to know that you and your players did more than just teach my child about what it's like to play hockey, you taught acceptance, kindness, understanding, confidence and pride!"
We have had girls-only clinics as we have found that it is less intimidating. We have also made sure to have girls hockey players as on-ice mentors to give them someone to look up to while feeling comfortable that it's another girl.
While these are one-day clinics, the impression left on these children is huge. We've received emails after the fact letting us know that their child is sleeping with their stick or won't wear anything but the jersey we gave them to school and it stems from the pride of trying something new.
The neat thing is many that try a clinic do not know how to skate. Going out on a slippery surface without the ability to skate can be overwhelming and this teaches them to keep trying. We teach them to fall down and to get back up. These fundamentals of the game are no different than life and this is taught in a way that these kids can understand.
The last couple of years we did incorporate a hockey related book in the giveaway bag to encourage reading.
If you have any suggestions on other ways we could positively impact more of the community, we would love to hear your ideas!