Following the article of August 14, I received a few phone calls from concerned parents.I’d like to share some of the topics with you:
1. A 10-year-old faced racist remarks during hockey school this summer in the Abitibi region. His mother reported her son’s reaction was “ignore it,” which is one good way of dealing with the situation. However, discrimination is a reality; it may happen. It is our responsibility as adults, as parents, to prepare our kids to deal with it.
Nevertheless, I will share the concern at the first meeting and will suggest solutions to help.
2. I also received a call from a parent wishing to send his son to the Abitibi region to give him a better chance of becoming a professional hockey player. By sending him now, at age 14, he sees this year as an “adaptation process” to the new systems of education, hockey, discipline, and city life before his goal of trying out for the Midget AAA team in Abitibi is reached.
However, questions arose and lets see if we can help with some answers:
1. Who is the contact person for hockey camp?
2. When do hockey schools start down south?
3. How much money does it cost?
4. Where is he going to stay?
5. Who will be sponsoring my son?
To make a difference, we have to look forward and try things.
It may work… or not… but at least, we did try something. Now for the answers to theparent’s questions:
1. Easy one! Call 911 (just kidding). Hockey Abitibi Tëmisc. Is a well-structured organization and has a complete list of services and volunteers involved in hockey.
2. School starts at the beginning of August until the middle of September, depending on level and category.
3. Again, depending on level and category, the cost may vary from $65 to $250 for the “tryouts” only. Then you will have to pay to cover the season itself (league fees, tournaments).
4. Down south, education is a priority. At any hockey level, the ruling is: if you don’t go to school, you don’t play hockey. It’s that simple. The language of instruction in Abitibi is mainly in French. However, there are a few English schools available. But remember! Resources and support are available for anyone wishing to pursue their education in another language.
5. Usually, selected foster families are part of a hockey team’s plan. It may be an enriching experience, either as language immersion, cultural, educational and others.
6. The popular question: who will pay? Minor Hockey Associations? The Cree School Board? Parents? In the south, parents are solely responsible for all expenses, including hotels and meals at tournaments, etc. Only the major leagues financially support hockey players.
In our region, the Cree School Board will provide financial support for your child’s education if the deadlines and rules are respected. If not you may have to invest approximately $100/ week for foster home and tournament costs.
So that’s it for now! Again, if you have any comments… let me know!
And by the way, if your son or daughter is moving outside the region this coming hockeyseason, call me! It would be interesting to let our people know… and maybe familiar‘fans’ would show up at their games… unexpected!
In sports!
