Governor General helps launch Hockey is Everyone program
Posted January 28, 2012 6:54 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Governor General David Johnston launched the new Hockey is Everyone program on Saturday at Rideau Hall.
With help from Sparta Cat and hockey legend Willie O’Ree, the Governor General made the announcement on the skating rink behind his residence.
Norm Flynn, executive director of the Hockey Education Reaching Out Society, said the program will help kids learn important life skills.
“We’re not here to make them Ottawa Senators,” he said. “It’s all about education to us. We want to see these children reach their dreams.”
The Governor General called himself a hockey fan and said he is pleased to have the program in the capital.
“Both HEROS and the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa should be warmly, warmly commended for building a program that strives to give equal access to the game of hockey for children of all backgrounds,” he said.
Hockey legend Willie O’Ree said the program will use hockey as a teaching tool.
“If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you’re right,” said O’Ree. “Set goals for yourselves and work towards your goals.”
After the announcement the kids hit the ice with the Governor General.
The program will be run in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa.
