Tracy Jo hands out Start with Hi bracelets and talks to fans about community inclusion.

Hockey brings community together

On the evening of November 21, snow began to fall in Nelson BC. Hockey fans made their way to the arena to cheer on their local hockey team, the Nelson Leafs. When they arrived, they were greeted by self-advocates and staff from CLBC and Nelson Cares Society. A series of Start with Hi posters were on display in the windows around the arena and each fan received a towel, which they could use to wave and cheer, that read, “Nelson Leafs Support Community Inclusion.”

When the hockey teams took to the ice, the announcer welcomed a special guest, Tracy Jo Russell, who is featured in CLBC’s Start with Hi initiative. Tracy Jo spoke to the audience about her own disability and the importance of saying hello to people with developmental disabilities. She explained that saying hello makes people feel important, included and keeps them safe. During the intermission, Tracy Jo autographed posters for the fans and handed out Start with Hi buttons and bracelets.

Staff from the local CLBC office in Castlegar partnered with Nelson Cares Society to host this treasured community event. Alison Roy, Measuring Up and Supported Employment Coordinator from Nelson Cares Society, said they wanted to recognize the Nelson Leafs because of their commitment to community inclusion and to providing employment opportunities to people with disabilities.

During the game, Mark Knapik, a student from LVR Secondary School presented the November Volunteer of the Month award to the Leafs’ Jacob Perich. Perich was recognized for his work around the community particularly the Nelson Leafs’ “Reading Buddy Program” at the library, which he organized.

This was truly an inclusive community event, a good time was had by all and the Leafs won the game. For more information on Start with Hi, and to see more of the pictures from this event, please visit www.StartwithHi.ca.