By Michelle Ryan, GBSA parent
Whenever we’re asked where our son plays hockey, my husband and I both respond that he plays for the most amazing hockey league around — George Bray. We have been fortunate enough to be part of the George Bray Sports Association family for the past six years with our son Liam.
When Liam started out, he was hesitant to go on the ice. He loved the idea of playing hockey, but actually going out on the ice was a whole different story. But what he discovered once he got out there was the most caring coaches and on-ice helpers around. For the first time, Liam was playing with kids he could identify with. Some had intellectual disabilities, and some had physical limitations, but they all shared one common love … hockey!
Over time, we became more involved in the organization. I became the team parent rep, helping out the coaches with administrative duties. The next thing we knew, our teenage son Jared was volunteering as an on-ice coach, combining his love of hockey with his desire to give back to the community.
The skills Jared has learned cannot be taught in any classroom. Top on the list are compassion and patience. After his first year of helping on-ice, Jared encouraged a couple of his hockey teammates to come out and volunteer too. And last year, when a coaching vacancy opened up, lo and behold, my husband put his hand up to volunteer. Neil is now in his second year on the bench and loves every minute of it!
Every week you can find Grandma and Grandpa standing at the boards watching the team, cheering for passes, shots on nets and great goalie saves. We frequently find ourselves cheering because a player who has never touched the puck before actually gets to shoot it, or a goalie makes a great save!
GBSA is all about fairness and inclusion. We strive to make sure every player feels part of the team – whether they’re actively a part of the plays or just learning how to skate – everyone matters to the team. The only pre-requisite to playing on a GBSA team in the Junior and Intermediate divisions is that the player must have an IEP (Individual Education Plan). Players’ exceptionalities can range from ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down Syndrome, to intellectual and developmental delays.
For a lot of these players, their weekly hockey game is the highlight of their week! They play to the very best of their abilities, and win or lose, they come off the ice with great big smiles on their faces. It really is the most beautiful sight!
www.georgebrayhockey.ca
