The Ontario Trillium Foundation has scored big for Wellington North Ringette with an $11,400 grant to expand its program.
The announcement was made at the Mount Forest sportplex on Aug. 20 with Perth-Wellington MPP John Wilkinson surrounded by local ringette players.
The funds will allow the group to recruit more volunteer coaches and deliver skills training programs in order to increase physical activity programs in rural areas, Wilkinson said.
“Ringette is a great sport. This Ontario Trillium Foundation grant will help ensure our local ringette club can continue to offer our young people an opportunity to enjoy one of their favourite Sports.” Trillium grants help make this happen, particularly in rural Ontario,” said Wellingotn North Mayor Ray Tout.
“On behalf of the residents of Wellington North I would like to thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their grant for the Wellington North Ringette Club. Keeping in top shape while doing something we all enjoy is helping residents stay active which is so important.”
Wellington North Ringette president Bill Walker said, “This grant is a lifeline for the association as we try to rebuild our ringette program throughout our region. The free under-7 program will create interest at the youngest ages for future players. The power skating will give our teams a leg up on the ice. And the funding for coaches will help us use all of these tools to make our organization stronger.” The grant will allow the organization to run a free 26-week, under-7 program, power skating for the Under 8s, 10s, 14s and Under 16s this year, as well as resources to improve coaching and referee pools. Funding for advertising and ice time will help promote the sport through “Come Try Ringette” nights.
Ringette has been part of Mount Forest for a number of years. The funds give the opportunity to expand the program geographically as well. Walker said Minto currently does not have a ringette program.
The Wellington North program includes players from Harriston, Durham, Holstein, Listowel, and Arthur.
Starting with the minor Sports registration in Harriston on Aug. 25, the organization is advertising its program.
The one in Palmerston is on Sept. 17 from 1pm to 2pm, and the one in Harriston on Oct. 15 at 10am.
“It’s just to introduce the sport over there … “We think there will be a lot of kids over there who would like it,” he added.
Walker added that for the last few years, the club has offered a rate of $125 regardless of the athlete’s age – to encourage people to come try it out and see what it’s like.”
For the under-7 program parents can call Walker at 519-323-9409 for any additional information on the Wellington North association or the program in general.
Walker added the association owes a huge debt of gratitude to Joanne Mothersell-Hoffman, who prepared the grant proposal.
“Without her hard work and dedication, none of this would have happened,” Walker said.
