FREE field hockey programming for Indigenous youth
The Nighthawks accept, without condition, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action, specifically calls 87-91 that relate to Sports and Reconciliation.Â
In January of 2023 we launched the first Stick Together Pilot Program to act upon the 87th call to action.Â
87. We call upon the federal government to amend the Physical Activity and Sport Act to support reconciliation by ensuring that policies to promote
- physical activity as a fundamental element of health and well-being,
- reduce barriers to sports participation,
- increase the pursuit of excellence in sport,
- and build capacity in the Canadian sport system, are inclusive of Aboriginal peoples
The Nighthawks believe that sport is an effective tool in building community health and wish to truly ensure sport is for all. The program’s focus is on fun and participation. The program will introduce the sport and offer participation opportunities to youth in our region.
The Program
The Stick Together Program offers FREE field hockey programming for local Indigenous youth.Â
The goal is to provide Indigenous youth from 8-14 with barrier free access to community sport. Our junior recreation programming for the spring runs from April to the end of June. Sessions will be twice a week at Minto Field, behind the Nepean Sportsplex. The youth will join their appropriate team based on age and gender. See the full schedule and programs page for details.
In addition to free sport and to further reduce barriers, the program will cover the cost of transportation to attend all sessions as well as cover equipment needs.Â
We are seeking partners within the local Indigenous Community to help the Nighthawks share the program with the audience who will most benefit.
This program is made possible by Decisive Group, The Ottawa Sport Council, Their Opportunity, Field Hockey Canada, and The Field Hockey Centre.
To register please send us an email at info@nepeanfieldhockey.ca
The latest news
Check out these articles about the Stick Together Program in the news:
Ottawa Sport Council Foundation Announces 2023 Community Opportunity Grant Recipients
OTTAWA (July 13, 2023) – The Ottawa Sport Council Foundation is thrilled to announce that Gay Ottawa Volleyball and Nepean Nighthawks Field Hockey have been selected as the recipients of the 2023 Community Opportunity Grant. These organizations have been awarded $2,000 by Their Opportunity to support children and youth who face socio-economic barriers to participation in sport and underrepresented and marginalized populations.
NEPEAN FIELD HOCKEY OFFERING FREE FIELD HOCKEY PROGRAMMING FOR INDIGENOUS YOUTH
In the fall of 2022, Field Hockey Canada, in conjunction with Canada Sport for All (CSAI), launched the Stick Together initiative. The Stick Together project seeks to remove barriers and increase sport participation rates for underrepresented groups in field hockey. Equity-deserving groups include Indigenous peoples, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQQIA+, people with low income and newcomers. The purpose of Stick Together is simple: to increase participation and retention in field hockey.
Nighthawks Stick Together Program Launches
Nepean Nighthawks Field Hockey Club founder Sandeep Chopra has been coaching for 40 years and has seen several of his players compete at the top international level, but he nonetheless picks the club’s Stick Together program as perhaps his favourite career highlight.
“This is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done,” underlines Chopra.
Stick Together Program Launches
Nepean Nighthawks launch the Stick Together Program for the Winter 2023 season.Â