For The Townsman
The Kimberley Rotary Sledge Hockey Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Kimberley Civic Centre. This unique event will be a full day of fun and excitement for the entire family.
The Kimberley Rotary Club, Kimberley Dynamiters and Calgary Sledge Hockey Association (CSHA) have given their support to Kimberley Minor Hockey (KMH) and their desire to raise funds to upgrade dressing rooms in the Civic Centre. Hockey has played a major role in the history of the Kootenays. Our reputation and expertise of organizing and running tournaments is praised by our neighbours in both Canada and the United States.
Sledge hockey is a Paralympic sport played at all levels around the world. It is an innovative team sport that incorporates the same rules and strategies as standard ice hockey.
Sledge hockey players sit on specially designed sleds with skate blades under the seat and use two sticks, not only to pass, stick handle and shoot the puck but also to propel and maneuver their sleds. All hockey gear including a full face shield and a neck protector are required to play sledge hockey.
Sledge hockey is open to players from all communities including disabled and able-bodied, male and female players of all ages.
The Calgary Sledge Hockey Association is bringing four teams to Kimberley, two junior (13 years and under) and two intermediate (14 years and older).
Thanks to CSHA there will be an intermediate level team coming from the Kelowna Sledge Hockey League.
Spectators will be entertained by some high level battles with these competitive intermediate teams from Calgary and Kelowna.
The Signal Collision - Vespa Sting will show their support for Kimberley Minor Hockey by creating a talented “All Star” team to challenge Calgary’s elite intermediate team using sleds owned Kimberley Minor Hockey.
KMH will provide junior teams from their league to take on our Calgary Sledge Hockey junior visitors.
Admission will be $10 which will allow access to five scheduled sledge hockey games. Games are scheduled from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Tickets will allow complete freedom of entry and exit from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm. One ticket is all you need. Tickets will be available in advance from Kimberley Minor Hockey members. Game schedules on back of every ticket.
The Kimberley Rotary Club support began in 2011 when they raised $18,000 for the purchase of 12 sledges, which they gave to Kimberley Minor Hockey.
Legacy funds from the 2010 Olympics saw the B.C. and Federal governments provide $300,000 to the City of Kimberley to restructure the Civic Arena for sledge hockey.
Kimberley Civic Arena has hosted Canadian World Paralympic Gold medalists in the past. Our arena has been praised by Hockey Canada and is high on the list of popular destinations amongst Sledge Hockey players. Do not miss the opportunity to share the full day of excitement with your family. Join us on Nov. 7, 2015 at the Kimberley Civic Arena.
Advance tickets outlets are being organized to accommodate out of town visitors and reduce game time line ups. Watch for announcements of Kimberley and Cranbrook locations in Black Press publications.
50/50 draws and silent auction will add to the fun.
Reduced hotel rates are available for out of town visitors attending tournament. Call Graham at 250-427-5057 for details.