Students at West Sechelt Elementary School will be taking part in a unique hockey pilot program.
The District of Sechelt (Sunshine Coast Arena) applied and was approved for a Bell Community Sport Fund grant. The grant will be used for a pilot program, Hockey Kick Start.
The Bell Community Sport Fund is administered on behalf of Bell Canada and the True Sport Movement by the True Sport Foundation, a charitable organization committed to the belief that sport makes powerful and positive contribution to the development of people and their communities.
"True Sport believes in values-driven sport that is founded on the four core values of fairness, excellence, inclusion and fun," said arena programmer Tom Poulton. "We at the Sunshine Coast Arena agree with and follow those same values. This program will be in full co-ordination and co-operation with the principal and teachers of West Sechelt Elementary School."
West Sechelt Elementary School is loaded with an abundance of enthusiastic sport-oriented teachers. The school was previously involved with a very successful active and healthy living pilot project.
"The teachers felt the programs are related and therefore they are very supportive," added Poulton.
The program will be offered to girls and boys in kindergarten to Grade 7 in two separate levels. The two levels are either the grass roots level for beginners or kids brand new to the sport or a more advanced level for those who are already involved with minor hockey or other related programs. The instructors will be a combination of arena staff, minor hockey coaches, skate instructors and midget level hockey players. The off-ice instructors will be a combination of arena staff, teachers and a company that specializes in hockey-specific training. The program will also have retired West Sechelt teacher Jim Gray on the team.
"The objectives are to offer all children an opportunity for a fun, structured and educational hockey experience following our active living guidelines," added Poulton.
The program is age and ability specific and will take place over five to six days during late February to early March.
