Program helps make hockey accessible for lower-income kids

KRISTEN THOMPSON/METRO VANCOUVER

Brianna Bryant, centre, and HEROS founder Norm Flynn, standing behind her, at Britannia ice rink on Thursday.

Published: July 03, 2009 3:12 a.m.

Last modified: July 03, 2009 3:18 a.m.

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Many of us take it for granted that hockey unites Canadians, but for at-risk children from low-income families, equipment costs and lesson fees make our national sport inaccessible.

Yesterday, 36 boys and girls from Vancouver’s inner city started a weeklong hockey camp at Britannia ice rink, for the ninth annual Hockey Education Reaching Out Society (HEROS) summer program.

Norm Flynn, who launched the program, said it provides at-risk kids with a sense of belonging and a safe environment to learn life skills and build self-esteem.

“We use hockey as a catalyst to encourage positive behaviour,” Flynn said.

Brianna Bryant, 9, joined the HEROS program three years ago and said she wants to be a professional hockey player.

“I like hockey because it’s good for your body,” she said. “I got to make friends here (and) the program is helpful. It teaches you discipline.”

HEROS
• HEROS operates 10 programs in six cities across Canada.

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