Hydro One and Coaches Association of Ontario launch coaching grant to break down barriers in sport

Hydro One’s new Indigenous Hockey Coaching Grant will make coaching more accessible and strengthen representation for Indigenous communities

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 13, 2023 /CNW/ – Today, Hydro One and the Coaches Association of ontario (CAO) has launched a new grant to increase Indigenous representation in sports leadership by making hockey more affordable and accessible to coaches from Indigenous communities. Hydro One’s Indigenous Hockey Coaching Grant will award up to 35 Indigenous coaches $1,500 in financing expenses such as equipment, travel and training.

The announcement was made in Mississauga at the Iceland Arena during the Little Native Hockey League (Little NHL) tournament, which brings together more than 2,400 Indigenous athletes and their coaches in a week-long tournament. Hydro One is the presenting sponsor of the tournament.

“From refereeing the first minor NHL tournament in 1971 to the privilege of being President again, I am pleased to see Hydro One and the CAO create this scholarship that will have a positive impact on Indigenous athletes and continue to raise awareness of the power of sport,” he said Patrick Madahbee, Acting President of the Little NHL and a member of the Audeck Omni Kaning First Nation. “Increasing Aboriginal representation in sports can encourage others to be part of a team as well.”

“Sports play an important role in an individual’s health and well-being. I am pleased to know that many children living on reserves will continue to enjoy learning the sport of hockey from leaders with whom they can culturally relate ” Chief said Scott McLeod, Nipissing First Nation. “Like this tournament, this new grant inspires hope for new opportunities to participate where previously there were barriers.”

“Coaches are powerful role models and leaders for their athletes, teams and communities. This grant will provide more opportunities for Indigenous coaches to share the power of sport,” he said Jay Armitage, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Hydro One. “We’re proud to help make this game, loved by so many Canadians, safer, fun and more inclusive.”

“A coach has the power to inspire generations of youngsters to excel not just in sports but in everything they do,” he said Jeremy CrossManaging Director, Coaches Association of ontario. “Every day we support coaches all over the world ontario in creating safe and positive experiences for all athletes. We are delighted that Hydro One’s new grant will continue to support Indigenous trainers.”

Hydro One’s Indigenous Coaching Grant builds on the company’s existing partnership with the CAO and the Little NHL, a tournament that has brought together Indigenous athletes for nearly half a century.

Through its community investment program, Hydro One is focused on building safer communities in ontario, and directs at least 20 percent of its corporate donations and sponsorships to Indigenous communities and initiatives that benefit Indigenous communities. The company also supports programs, events and initiatives focused on safety training and safe gaming. Some of its partners are The ACT Foundation and Coaches Association of ontario.

For more information and to apply for the scholarship, visit: www.HydroOne.com/CoachesAssociationofOntario. The application deadline is March 27, 2023.

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SOURCE Hydro One Limited

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