FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Calgary Foundation’s Doc Seaman Amateur Sports Grants Joins Hands with the Okanagan Hockey Community Foundation to Empower Indigenous Youth through Summer Hockey Camp Bursaries
[Penticton, November 20, 2023] – The Calgary Foundation’s Doc Seaman Amateur Sports Grants and The Okanagan Hockey Community Foundation (OHCF) recently embarked on a partnership that embodies the spirit of community, philanthropy, and empowerment. Together, they provided an incredible opportunity to 19 youth players from the Penticton Indian Band, sending them to summer hockey camps across Canada. This initiative not only honors the legacy of Daryl K. “Doc” Seaman but also strengthens the bonds of unity, achievement, and shared purpose within our communities.
Daryl K. “Doc” Seaman’s legacy is one of heroism, vision, and unmatched dedication. A founding owner of the Calgary Flames, Doc’s contributions to Calgary’s sports scene are well-known, but his philanthropic endeavors ranged from medical education to entrepreneurial support. His love for hockey and unwavering commitment to the community has left an indelible mark that continues through the Daryl K. Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund, managed by the Calgary Foundation.
“The Okanagan Hockey Community Foundation’s core values resonate with the spirit of this initiative. We are firm believers that education and sports should be accessible to all, regardless of financial constraints, and we are honoured to collaborate with Calgary Foundation on this initiative,” states Michael O’Connor, Chairman of the Okanagan Hockey Community Foundation (OHCF) “This partnership enables us to break down barriers and empower these young players to explore their potential on and off the ice.”
One of our attendees had this to say about her camp experience, “It was so much fun to learn different shooting skills. It was fun to meet new people and challenge myself.”
The Penticton Indian Band, known as SnPink’tn, encompasses a vast expanse of over 46,000 acres in the heart of the Okanagan Valley. With a commitment to education and sports, this partnership is a testament to their dedication to empowering their youth for a brighter future.
The impact of these bursaries is immeasurable. For 19 youth players, this opportunity transcends the ice rink. It instills discipline, teamwork, leadership, and life skills that will shape their futures. Beyond individual growth, this initiative creates a ripple effect within the Penticton Indian Band community, fostering unity and pride as these young players rise to represent their heritage.
This partnership between the Calgary Foundation’s Doc Seaman Amateur Sports Grants and The Okanagan Hockey Community Foundation embodies the power of collective action in nurturing talent and strengthening communities. As these 19 youth players embark on a journey of growth, skill development, and self-discovery, their experiences will stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of Doc Seaman’s dedication to community, sports, and philanthropy.