Celebrating Special Hockey Day in Ontario

The 25th annual Special Hockey International tournament was held this past March 27-30 in Toronto, bringing together member clubs from across North America and Europe. Our government was proud to recognize March 27, 2019 as Special Hockey Day – honouring the organizers, coaches, parents and players who make Canada’s pastime accessible for athletes with developmental or cognitive challenges.

Hockey is a part of our national identity and heritage and we were pleased to celebrate everyone involved in the 2019 Special Hockey International tournament, including our very own Orangeville Wolves. The festivities began at Queen’s Park, where all tournament teams were invited to tour the Ontario Legislature while the government was in session and received a personalized scroll to commemorate Special Hockey Day.

This past November, MPP Dave Smith tabled legislation which proclaimed this year’s first Special Hockey Day. By recognizing important events like Special Hockey Day, our government is working to put people first and protect and strengthen what matters most.

Special Hockey International is the global governing body for special hockey teams and promotes special hockey through inclusion. This year’s tournament attracted about 70 teams from across North America and Europe for a non-contact and non-competitive 4 game tournament. The tournament focuses on fairness and participation by providing each participant with equal playing time.

On Special Hockey Day, I was pleased to commemorate the 25th annual Special Hockey International Tournament at Mattamy Athletic Centre. It was great to see the Orangeville Wolves participate, as well as many devoted organizers, coaches and parents who make Canada’s favourite sport accessible for our athletes.

Please visit Special Hockey International’s website at this link to learn more about the Orangeville Wolves. Also, if you are interested in joining Special Hockey International, please visit this website.

If you have any questions about Special Hockey Day, please email me at sylvia.jonesco@pc.ola.org or call 1-800-265-1603.

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