Hockey is for Everyone

Phew! What a fantastic day at the Gwinnett Gladiators game!  There was some awesome singing from our SPARK kids, McKendree Elementary, and Mary Lin (videos below), an action-packed third period, and the Gladiators almost came back to tie the game from being down 4-1 against the #1 team in the ECHL. We also had some super-(good-natured-)smack-talking going on with our kids and some Komets fans.

On another note, one of my favorite things about hockey is the people involved. During the first intermission we saw a exhibition put on by the Atlanta Sparks (what a name coincidence!), a hockey program created for young kids up to adult athletes with disabilities and special needs. Hockey is a very inclusive sport for all people, and has led amateur and pro sports in supporting athletes as humans and respecting differences of the athletes who wish to play.  There has been a big campaign for the past few years about inclusion in hockey called "Hockey is for Everyone". Things like that make me proud to be a fan.



WSB-2 Story about the Atlanta Sparks


Springdale Park Elementary "O, Canada"



McKendree Elementary "The Star Spangled Banner"


Mary Lin Elementary "America the Beautiful"

Boistrous Komets fans

were no match for Ike and Sully

 Harry and his Canadian aunt between the benches.

Zamboni

Blimp (can you see Harry?)

Sledge hockey and other modified hockey

I received a note from Steve Chapman, President of the Gwinnett Gladiators 

on the Monday after our performance:

Once again, I just want to drop you a note to thank your for your efforts.  I thoroughly enjoy hearing the Canadian National Anthem performed well and I know that our Canadian players, in particular, appreciate it as well.  You guys did another outstanding job.  We all think that the hybrid English / French version of it that you sing is particularly cool.  Please pass along my congratulations to your students.

Thanks again.  I hope that the money raised through the program is helpful to Springdale.