Page 28 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 132

28 Issue #132 January 2024 www.sportsenergynews.com

Steve Malyon

sales rep
613-314-4161

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Cornwall Colts U13 Rep B Make a Community

Impact

The donations collected during memories that will stick with them
flyers, handed them out, talked to
By Molly Kett the food drive were directed to the for a long time.”
people in the store, helped elders Agape Centre, a local organization
with their groceries, returned carts, Coach Jake takes pride in the
he U13 Rep B Cornwall Colts supporting those in need. Coach
and greeted everyone with holiday Cornwall Colts U13 Rep B team,
Thockey team is making a lasting wishes at the exits, whether they Jake notes that the Agape Centre not just for their performance on the
impact beyond the rink. responded enthusiastically,
donated or not.” appreciating the team’s involvement ice but for embracing valuable life
“As the coach of the U13 Rep B lessons that extend far beyond the
The community response was in such a meaningful way. In addition
Cornwall Colts team, I wanted to heartening, with gratitude pouring to the food items, the team gathered hockey arena.
teach the boys that hockey is more “While we’ve faced challenges this
than just playing on the ice,” said in for the team’s efforts. Coach around $350 in monetary donations, season, regardless of the outcome, I
O’Brien describes the experience as presented to the Agape Centre in the
Coach Jake O’Brien. “It’s a special take pride in the fact that this group
thing we’re lucky to be a part of, “a really great moment and one of form of a gift card. of kids has embraced valuable
the highlights of the year.”
especially at the rep level. We need “As the team’s coach, it’s truly life lessons that will contribute to
to go the extra mile off the ice, in The motivation behind such gratifying to see our players actively shaping the kind of hockey players
the rinks we visit, and in community community initiatives goes beyond supporting their community,” said they’ll become,” said O’Brien.
events that help people.” the immediate impact. O’Brien O’Brien. “These are the kind of
underscores the importance of
The team kicked off the hockey
season with a unique community instilling a sense of gratitude and
empathy in the players, helping them
event, organizing a food drive at the understand the privilege of playing
local Freshco.
hockey, and the responsibility to give
“The team decided to get involved back.
because, as a hockey team, it’s vital “I wanted them to understand
for us to be active members of our
that there are many kids who
community,” O’Brien said. “I believe would love to play but can’t, due to
it plays a crucial role in shaping various reasons,” said O’Brien. “Our
a strong hockey team, teaching
community service, even in a small
valuable lessons for life both on way, can make a big difference for
and off the ice, impacting coaches,
many families and kids.”
parents, and most importantly, the
players.” O’Brien expresses a desire to
incorporate such initiatives a few
During the food drive at Freshco,
the boys went above and beyond, times throughout the year. Beyond
the food drive at Freshco, the team
showcasing their dedication to the
extended their reach by distributing
community.
flyers at their home rink, inviting Photo Submitted
“The boys did a fantastic job at other teams and families to join their
Freshco,” said O’Brien. “We made cause.