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Name: Bow View Ringette Association
Location: Calgary, AB
Date: September 2024
About the Institution: It is a proud Albertan organization that is committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and collaboration. Our association is located in the southeast of Calgary (Moh-kins-tsis), but our players play all over our diverse city. The land we play on gives us a sense of belonging and joy. The ice rink is the second home we live and breathe on, that gives us friendship, community and energy to play. We acknowledge the land where we gather with gratitude to the First Peoples who traditionally lived here. We would like to acknowledge the traditional territories, history, stories, culture and oral practices of the Blackfoot Nations, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani and the Kainai. We also acknowledge the Tsuut’ina and Stoney Nakoda First Nations, the Métis Nation Region 3, and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region
At Kee Safety, we believe in supporting initiatives that create meaningful change in our communities. Recently, we had the honour of presenting a donation check to Gary Bilodeau, our Regional Sales Manager, who volunteers as an assistant coach for a Calgary-based, the Bow View Ringette Association. This program stands out for its impact on young girls, offering them opportunities to grow, compete, and thrive both on and off the ice.
The Bow View Ringette Association, based in Calgary, fosters athletic excellence and teamwork through the Alberta Chinook League. The U14A league features nine Southern Alberta teams, consisting of girls aged 12 to 14, who compete in one of the most dynamic and team-focused sports available. Ringette, a predominantly girl-based sport, emphasizes teamwork, fair play, and healthy competition, providing a supportive environment where young athletes can thrive.
In 2024, the U14A Strike team was formed after a rigorous evaluation process that selected 16 talented players from a pool of 90 hopefuls. Starting in October, the team practices twice a week and competes in 1-2 games weekly, in addition to participating in 3-4 tournaments annually. These tournaments, whether local or out-of-town, serve as vital opportunities for team bonding and personal growth. Beyond gameplay, the team organizes dryland training sessions, team-building activities, and developmental events, all funded by the team members and their families.
Did you know that one in five girls drop out of competitive sports by the time they’re 15? Programs like this ringette league combat this trend by providing a space where girls can excel in a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere.
Sports like ringette offer much more than competition—they instill confidence, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment. For these young athletes, the bonds they form and the skills they acquire extend far beyond the rink, helping them navigate challenges in high school and beyond.
Gary Bilodeau is the assistant coach who, with his dedication to this program, exemplifies the values of teamwork and leadership that resonate with our company’s mission. Through this donation, we are proud to support the U14A Strike team and the broader mission of the Bow View Ringette Association. This contribution helps sustain the team’s initiatives and reinforces the importance of programs that empower young athletes to achieve their goals, both on and off the ice.
Here’s to a fantastic season for the U14A Strike team and the continued success of the Bow View Ringette Association!