Squamish Minor Hockey Association Awarded $5,000 Community Enhancement Grant
SQUAMISH, BC (February 25, 2022) Squamish Minor Hockey Association (SMHA) receives funding support from the District of Squamish and Squamish Community Foundation with a $5,000 Community Enhancement Grant. The grant will offset SMHA’s annual ice rental fees at Brennan Park Recreation Centre.
“With over 250 children and youth currently registered in our programs, ice rental fees represent our largest expense,” says Jeff Oldenborger, president of Squamish Minor Hockey Association. “This support from Squamish Community Foundation and the District of Squamish helps reduce our annual operating costs and ensure our hockey programs remain accessible for children and youth in our community.”
The grant is awarded as part of the District of Squamish Community Enhancement Grant 2022 funding cycle and is administered by the Squamish Community Foundation. “The connection between social interaction and mental well-being of children and youth has really been highlighted for us over the past two years,” says Karen Clarke, executive director with Squamish Community Foundation. “We recognize the role youth-based amateur sport plays in helping to build on that connection, while also supporting overall health and wellness through physical literacy.”
“The social bonding generated through friendly competition and community connection are important outcomes of amateur sport,” says Oldenborger. “Our kids were really missing this last season, when game play and spectators at the rink were both suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions. It’s been inspiring to see players bounce back with renewed enthusiasm and excitement for the game of hockey since these were re-introduced. It motivates and challenges them in a fun and animated environment. We know kids want to play more games and have more fun, and this grant helps us do that.”
Squamish Community Foundation executive director Karen Clarke joined Squamish Minor Hockey Association president Jeff Oldenborger, along with players and coaches from the Squamish Eagles U9 Division at Brennan Park Recreation Centre to present a cheque in the amount of $5,000.
About Squamish Minor Hockey Association
Squamish Minor Hockey Association is a registered non-profit sports organization dedicated to the development of children and youth in hockey. Through our player, coach and referee development programs, we encourage and foster the highest standards of sportsmanship, self-discipline, courage, perseverance and citizenship of our members, both on and off the ice. We are one of the fastest growing minor hockey associations in Canada with over 250 active players aged 5 to 17. Squamish Minor Hockey Association is governed by BC Hockey and the Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association. For more information, visit www.squamishminorhockey.com.
About Squamish Community Foundation
The Squamish Community Foundation was established in 2004 to create a legacy of giving in our community. We are entrusted with managing an ever-growing portfolio of endowment funds which are contributed to from both individual and corporate donors. Using annual fund distributions, Squamish Community Foundation re-invests in Squamish through grant and fund programs that support important community initiatives in areas like culture, health and the environment, creating positive and lasting change. Find out more about the Squamish Community Foundation at www.squamishfoundation.com.
Media contacts:
Jeff Oldenborger, President
Squamish Minor Hockey Association
Board of Directors
T: 604-725-9250
Karen Clarke, Executive Director
Squamish Community Foundation
T: 604-848-8683
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