The George Bray Sports Association, celebrating 45 years this year, is still carrying on the tradition started by George Bray, who wanted a hockey league for children with special needs.
When Bray founded the non-profit league, which is run by volunteers, there were only two teams.
Today, the league has 14 teams and more than 200 players.
“Every child needs the opportunity to play hockey and that’s not always possible unless there’s something like this around,” says Wanda Hutchinson, whose son Daniel plays in the league.
For Daniel, there are plenty of reasons to play. “My favourite part of coming out here every weekend …I actually have two – seeing my friends and working as a team.”
The George Bray Sports Association, celebrating 45 years this year, is still carrying on the tradition started by George Bray, who wanted a hockey league for children with special needs.
Johnny Figg says he enjoys scoring goals the most.
The league stresses fun and every player gets equal ice time.
Playing in the league develops more than just hockey skills, says the association’s president Murray Howard.
“Their social skills climb like crazy and all of a sudden they’re out on the street playing with other kids because they’re hockey players. That gives them a commonality there that didn’t exist before.”
Johnny’s mother, Sheri Grabstas, understands that need for kids to be accepted.
“Our children don’t always make friends very easily and here you’re accepted for who you are, regardless of your abilities,” she says.
Both parents and players say the league, run out of the Glen Cairn arena, is a place where players feel safe, accepted and are surrounded by friends.
“If you have any disability, I recommend coming to George Bray and playing,” Daniel says.
