GREY-BRUCE – The Grey-Bruce Special Hockey Foundation is seeking participants and sponsors for the upcoming hockey season.
The Foundation was started locally in 2008 to give intellectually challenged athletes from Grey, Bruce and surrounding counties an opportunity to play hockey regardless of gender, age or ability.
“We endeavour to give our players a greater sense of community involvement, which in the past has been limited to observing and not participating,” said Brian Carr, president of the Grey-Bruce Special Hockey Foundation.
The principles of the program are:
- to have fun;
- to provide an accessible and inclusive hockey experience;
- to develop individual and team hockey skills; and
- to promote a sense of teamwork.
“Our program gives these exceptional individuals a chance to form close and lasting friendships with their peers and permits them to learn about sportsmanship and fair play while learning to play the great game of hockey,” said Carr. “The players can develop at their own pace with the help of a group of dedicated volunteers who emphasize fun while learning.”
The Falcons are a member of Special Hockey International (SHI). SHI was originally started by a gentleman in North York, Ont. in 1970 with two players. Since then, the league has grown to over 30 teams in North America, two in England, and one each in Sweden and Norway.
All games are played solely for the sake of having fun. There are no offsides or icings and the final score is always questionable, so everyone is a winner. The Falcons play a small number of home and away games, with the season concluding at the Special Hockey International annual tournament which is hosted by a different community every year.
The Grey/Bruce Falcons are a non-profit organization which relies on registration fees, fundraising and donations to help keep the team running. They are a registered Canadian charity and will issue tax receipts.
“Donations help with jerseys, equipment, travel costs, plaques, team photos and our year-end banquet,” said Carr. “All our players are responsible to go out into the community and find at least one sponsor. This helps them feel that they are contributing in making this program a success. Sponsors will be recognized in various ways throughout the year for their generous support
There are three levels of sponsorship – Bronze ($25-$100), Silver ($101-$299) and Gold ($300 and above).
Those interested in learning more about the organization or wish to donate are asked to contact Brian Carr – 519-369-4846 or briancarr8807@gmail.com.
