By SportsXpress Team
Murray Howard remembers the story well. His fiancé’s nephew wanted to play hockey. But since he had a learning disability, they weren’t sure if he’d be able to participate.
“Since I was trying to get brownie points with her parents, I offered to look after getting her nephew into this league that they’d heard about from school,” Howard said. “Within a couple of weeks, I was coaching a team on my own.”
This was in 1977, and the league was the George Bray Sports Association, a hockey program for young people with special learning needs. It turned out to be one of the best decisions Howard has ever made. He’s been part of George Bray ever since. In 1981, Howard became president, a role that he’s served for the past 33 years.
“I thoroughly enjoy all of my time with GBSA,” said Howard. “It’s so rewarding to see a player’s first contact with our organization, and it’s great to see the many returning faces that are excited to be playing hockey.”
The GBSA is both welcoming and adaptable, and makes sure that all players and their families have a positive experience.
“We don’t try to adapt the player to the game. We try to adapt the game to what they can do, with very little concern over what they cannot do,” said Howard, who has also served as co-chair of the Accessible Sports Council and has been involved with Kidsport, the London Sports Council, and the World Sledge Hockey Tournament in London.
“George Bray has shown that all people with special needs can be active and involved in their community, and I hope that my years of service have proven this to other organizations and sport groups and that they will feel the same way.”
www.georgebraysports.ca
