 |
|
|
|
|
  
|
Game on in Rankin Inlet Darrell Greer Northern News Services Published Wednesday, January 18, 2012 The players are better equipped to protect their bodies and display their skills after Rankin received a shipment of new equipment from a group of companies this past week. Rankin recreation co-ordinator David Clark was contacted by Natik Project (2007) Inc. on the need for hockey equipment in the community about two months ago.
Then, after one follow-up call, Clark said more than 10 huge boxes of new hockey gear arrived in Rankin.
He said Natik has worked in Rankin at the new correctional healing facility, trade school and Nunavut Arctic College housing project, and the donation was a way to thank the community.
"I couldn't believe it when I opened the boxes and looked inside," said Clark.
"It's all brand-new equipment that's going to make a lot of young hockey players very, very happy here."
Clark said the boxes held all types of hockey equipment, from skates and sticks to pads and helmets.
He said the timing was perfect, with parents showing up the first day to get gear for their kids.
"We still have kids not playing hockey because they don't have proper gear, and this will help get them out there.
"The gear fits kids aged from about five to 15.
"Our equipment room had been bare for awhile, so we had a lot of people waiting for this to arrive."
Natik president Tino Bruce said the donation came from the combined efforts of Natik, Hiemstra Heating, NDL Construction and Capital Boiler and Welding.
He said hockey's big in Rankin, and the companies wanted to do something to benefit the community.
"We have to thank First Air for being wonderful in helping us," said Bruce.
"I contacted them to let them know what we were trying to do.
"First Air was excited about helping in any way it could and it brought the gear to Rankin from Winnipeg for us."
Bruce said the gear was purchased new from Play It Again Sports in Winnipeg.
He said a large amount of used equipment was also received, but there wasn't time to sort it.
"We'll probably send some of that to Rankin next year, but it's not all the quality I would like to see kids using.
"Hockey can be an aggressive sport and you want kids safe while playing it.
"So, we decided to outfit as many kids as we could with new equipment."
Bruce hopes to develop a form to help identify the needs of minor players in Rankin for next year.
He said it would help the companies to know how many kids need to be completely outfitted, and the different sizes of gear required in Rankin.
"We hope to also send new jerseys next year.
"It's all about getting kids on the ice, having fun and playing a great game.
"Hockey's almost a religion across Canada, and there's no denying how many kids love the game in Rankin.
"I've never met a boy or girl who doesn't like playing it at some level, whether for fun on the street or competitively in a league."
|
