SIMCOE MUSKOKA CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Canadian Blind Hockey Visits SMCDSB

One of Canada's favourite winter pastimes was experienced this week by some excited SMCDSB participants. Students donned skates and picked up their sticks to participate in "Try Skating & Blind Hockey". The event was hosted by Canadian Blind Hockey at the Sadlon Arena in Barrie on Tuesday, Feb 28, 2023.

Designed specially for children and youth who are blind and partially sighted, Blind Hockey Canada has run over 200 free events for more than 1,000 boys and girls across the country.

Tuesday's event included lunch, and a tour of the arena, including the penalty box, the dressing room, and the player's bench. Getting up close to the Zamboni was fun. But the highlight of the day was plenty of ice time. Students were delighted to be joined on the ice by some of their favourite Barrie Colt players.

The goals of Blind Hockey Canada are to:

• Ensure as many Canadian youths who are blind or visually impaired have the opportunity
• to get on the ice
• Teach students about all Para sports available to them
• Explain the sport of hockey and introduce the sport of blind hockey
• Engage community partners to provide local follow-up programming
• Provide a memorable learning experience for students.