Coaches and staff of Okanagan Hockey School along with players of the Penticton Lakers Hockey team are donating their time and talent to teach an entire elementary school to “Learn to Skate”
Every student at Queens Park Elementary will have an opportunity to learn to skate thanks to the generous contributions of the City of Penticton, Global Entertainment, Penticton Minor Hockey, Okanagan Hockey School and the Penticton Lakers.
Skating lessons will be offered to every grade throughout the month of November beginning November 4th. The City of Penticton and Global Entertainment have donated the ice time; PMHA will arrange helmets and protective gear while the Penticton Lakers players and Okanagan Hockey School coaches and staff will provide the on ice instruction.
“Every child deserves a chance to participate – and we think this is an opportunity to introduce a sport to children that may not have been given the chance. We know that junior hockey players are considered role models and kids respond well to them.” says Andy Oakes, President of Okanagan Hockey School..
“The “Learn to Skate” program also pairs nicely with the Daily Physical Activity program the Lakers are operating in local elementary schools”, says Jackie Frederick, volunteer coordinator of the Penticton Lakers community outreach programs.
When the Ministry of Education mandated “Daily Physical Activity” as part of primary schools curriculum, the Lakers saw an opportunity!
“When we heard about the DPA mandate, we knew this was an area where the Lakers players could have a positive influence on youngsters”, says Frederick. “The players will visit schools and participate in whatever activity has been planned for that day and interact with students to show them that being active can be fun!”
The Penticton Lakers will be busy this year with a number of other off-ice initiatives that have been created to integrate the players into the community that supports them.
Frederick has also scheduled players to walk dogs at the SPCA; collect donations for Tim Horton’s Operation Christmas Child; man a Salvation Army kettle, feed the hungry, play a game against the Special Olympics basketball game, greet guests of the Toys for Tots breakfast at the Penticton Lakeside Resort and more!
“This Club knows that in order for the team and its players to be successful they must give back to the community – and that is exactly what they will be doing!”
For more information or to schedule a visit from the players, please contact:
Jackie Frederick
Volunteer Coordinator
Community Programs
250-859-5999
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