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youth sports

Changing the Face of Hockey: Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest

May 17, 2017 By Lena 17 Comments

My niece is over, and she’s running around with her two older cousins – my sons.

“Look at her!” a family member cries. “She’s wants to be one of the boys! Running and jumping and playing tag and basketball too!”

I feel that I should point out that running, jumping, playing tag and basketball are not gender-specific pastimes, but I consider my audience and bite my tongue. After all, I was raised in a generation that praised girls for sitting quietly and playing with dolls – surely, the generation before mine would be even more out of date with their gender bias and perception of social norms.

But as I watch my niece run on her long, strong legs and shout for a chance at the basketball, sweat misting over her sweet little brow, I’m secretly quite pleased. She hasn’t been told “her place” as a little girl is to sit and look pretty. She isn’t scared of getting dirty, screaming too loud or trying too hard. She goes after everything with gusto, not realizing she is part of a new generation where girls’ potential is limitless.

She doesn’t play like a girl. She plays.

This past weekend, more than 350 future female hockey stars hit the ice with Olympic Gold Medalist and Canadian Women’s Hockey League star Natalie Spooner for the 6th annual Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest in Toronto, in partnership with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to mentor young girls and help them pursue their dreams,” said Natalie Spooner. “The support I received from the hockey community growing up in Ontario helped me get to where I am today. Being able to give back through Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest is an honour, and it’s a privilege to celebrate Canada’s game with these girls who share my love for hockey.” …

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest, youth sports

When You Spring into Action… There’s No Stopping Them!

March 2, 2017 By Lena 18 Comments

Last week, I shared details about the Erin Mills Town Centre “Spring into Action” Sports & Camps Show. If you’ll recall, the single most motivating factor for my own attendance was the convenience of signing up the boys for spring and summer activities – all at one time, all in one place.

We were not disappointed.

With a record exhibitor turnout (the show was packed with 40 vendors!), enthusiastic Mississauga residents had a chance to meet the organizers, ask questions, take advantage of special offers (more on that later!) and most importantly, introduce their children to sports and activities that may not have been on their radar… like fencing! Yes, FENCING!
IMG_4414Here’s why the Erin Mills Town Centre “Spring Into Action” Sports & Camps Show was a success:

1. Easy Access to Information. Every parent craves information, especially when signing up their children for extra-curricular activities. However, it’s safe to say that if you’ve ever tried to navigate a local sports organization’s website… well, it’s not necessarily the most user-friendly experience. So, rather than searching through a list of FAQs, I was able to bring my questions directly to the representatives. It saved time and frustration, and of course, allowed me to get the answers I needed! …

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: erin mills town centre, sports programs, youth sports

Get in the Game! #DHLRugby Twitter Party

January 31, 2015 By Lena

Before I had two boys, I didn’t really get it.

Sports.

The competition, the fierce rivalries, the whole 5am-in-the-morning drop off thing. I just didn’t understand why any parent would want to be subjected to it.

Then, at my husband’s suggestion, we put both boys in soccer. And swimming. And once summer arrives, we’re thinking about rugby, too. And you know what? I get it.

Youth sports are about so much more than game play. Being part of a team is a great way to improve health, learn self-discipline, and truly comprehend the meaning of leadership by example. Team sports help young people connect with role models and help them develop healthy life-long habits. In the case of rugby, values learned are integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect.

Want to learn more? You won’t want to miss the #DHLRugby Twitter Party!
DHL-Twitter-chat-graphicHosted by a industry experts @Brian_Spanton, @RugbyCanada and @DHLExpressCan, we’ll discuss youth sports, the tangible benefits they bring, and share key information about the DHL Youth Leadership Scrum contest – a unique, money-can’t-buy experience for one lucky child in Canada.

(One exceptional Canadian youth will be awarded a never-to-be-forgotten experience of delivering the Match Ball at the 2015 Rugby World Cup match between Ireland and Canada at The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, courtesy of DHL Express Canada. Click here for full contest details.) …

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Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: #DHLRugby, DHL Youth Leadership Scrum, Twitter Party, youth sports

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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