Amy Cleveland made the trek from Shubenacadie to Truro on Sunday with her husband, Chris, and Austin, their seven-year-old son. It was the launch of the Learn to Sledge Program, which is open to all children of all abilities between the ages of five and 18.
"He's been playing sledge hockey for three years now in Bedford. He just loves it. He loves it so much that once a week just wasn't enough," said Cleveland, as Austin smiled and pushed along a ball with a stick. His father was behind his sled, giving him some encouragement and guiding his way.
"The first time he played, it was just pure excitement and joy. We saw smiles we had never seen before. He loves it - he's up at five in the morning for a 10 o'clock hockey game. He just can't wait to get there."
Saturdays for the Cleveland family are spent at the BMO Centre in Bedford for the sport, but now they can add Sundays in Truro to their list.
It was a push from Cleveland that Sport Nova Scotia joined forces with the Town of Truro and Municipality of Colchester to bring the program, offered through Easter Seals, to the Colchester Legion Stadium.
"We knew that the demographic and the need was there, we just didn't know how much," said Kevin Patterson, Fundy region community sport development co-ordinator with Sport Nova Scotia. The Town of Truro already had a number of sleds for the sport, and Colchester County is in the process of purchasing some.
For Collene Mombourquette, travelling from Lantz was really a no-brainer; it's a whole family affair.
"They just love it, and they get to meet new friends," Mombourquette said, as four of her children were on the ice.
Thomas was helping his brother Trent, while volunteer coach David Coutts was working with Trevor, Thomas and Trent's brother. Trevor's twin sister, Lisa, was also there, just in case there were any others wanting to try the sport. The siblings' other sister, Lacy, helps when Trent and Trevor participate at the BMO Centre.
"When we heard the program was opening here, we knew it would be a great opportunity for extra sport and socializing time," said the mother. "I find now, in the dressing room, Trevor is speaking more. He's building those friendships."
Mombourquette said Lisa and another son have been playing competitive hockey, and that's when Trevor said he wanted to play hockey. Sporting his own jersey, Trevor's smile never waned, especially when racing with Coutts and celebrating his win.
With a small crowd for the first day of the program, organizers, and mothers, are hoping it will grow.
"I believe this will go really well," said Mombourquette. "It takes a little bit of time for a program like this to get going, but it will."
No experience is required for the program, which runs every Sunday from 9 to 10 a.m. until April 10 at the stadium. Drop in fee is $4. Sleds will be provided, but participants must have a hockey helmet with face cage, closing to cover neck and hands, and boots.
Twitter: @TDNRaissa
Amy Cleveland made the trek from Shubenacadie to Truro on Sunday with her husband, Chris, and Austin, their seven-year-old son. It was the launch of the Learn to Sledge Program, which is open to all children of all abilities between the ages of five and 18.
"He's been playing sledge hockey for three years now in Bedford. He just loves it. He loves it so much that once a week just wasn't enough," said Cleveland, as Austin smiled and pushed along a ball with a stick. His father was behind his sled, giving him some encouragement and guiding his way.
"The first time he played, it was just pure excitement and joy. We saw smiles we had never seen before. He loves it - he's up at five in the morning for a 10 o'clock hockey game. He just can't wait to get there."
Saturdays for the Cleveland family are spent at the BMO Centre in Bedford for the sport, but now they can add Sundays in Truro to their list.
It was a push from Cleveland that Sport Nova Scotia joined forces with the Town of Truro and Municipality of Colchester to bring the program, offered through Easter Seals, to the Colchester Legion Stadium.
"We knew that the demographic and the need was there, we just didn't know how much," said Kevin Patterson, Fundy region community sport development co-ordinator with Sport Nova Scotia. The Town of Truro already had a number of sleds for the sport, and Colchester County is in the process of purchasing some.
For Collene Mombourquette, travelling from Lantz was really a no-brainer; it's a whole family affair.
"They just love it, and they get to meet new friends," Mombourquette said, as four of her children were on the ice.
Thomas was helping his brother Trent, while volunteer coach David Coutts was working with Trevor, Thomas and Trent's brother. Trevor's twin sister, Lisa, was also there, just in case there were any others wanting to try the sport. The siblings' other sister, Lacy, helps when Trent and Trevor participate at the BMO Centre.
"When we heard the program was opening here, we knew it would be a great opportunity for extra sport and socializing time," said the mother. "I find now, in the dressing room, Trevor is speaking more. He's building those friendships."
Mombourquette said Lisa and another son have been playing competitive hockey, and that's when Trevor said he wanted to play hockey. Sporting his own jersey, Trevor's smile never waned, especially when racing with Coutts and celebrating his win.
With a small crowd for the first day of the program, organizers, and mothers, are hoping it will grow.
"I believe this will go really well," said Mombourquette. "It takes a little bit of time for a program like this to get going, but it will."
No experience is required for the program, which runs every Sunday from 9 to 10 a.m. until April 10 at the stadium. Drop in fee is $4. Sleds will be provided, but participants must have a hockey helmet with face cage, closing to cover neck and hands, and boots.
Twitter: @TDNRaissa
