Inclusive Dek Hockey Tournament

Community Joins Dek Hockey Tournament To Support Disabilities Association In Nicolet-Yamaska

Saint-François-du-Lac, Québec – The Association Of People With disabilities of Nicolet-Yamaska ​​(APHny) is set to host a friendly Dek Hockey tournament on Saturday, July 5, promising a day of community spirit and fundraising.

This self-financed event, a cherished summer tradition, unites the community to support APHny’s core mission: enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. All proceeds from the day will be directly invested in activities, projects, and supportive living environments developed by APHNY. Learn more about APHny’s initiatives.

A Day Of Sport And Solidarity

Open to recreational teams in a mixed 4-on-4 format, the Dek Hockey tournament guarantees a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Participants will enjoy three scheduled games, on-site food and beverage options, entertainment, and prize giveaways. Teams have until June 23, 2025, to register and secure their spot.

More Than Just A Game

Beyond the friendly competition, this event provides a valuable platform to showcase the active involvement of people with disabilities. This is exemplified through their participation in organizing the day and the presence of the APHny Warriors team, comprised of organization members, who will play in a special exhibition match.

“This tournament represents much more than a sporting activity,” emphasizes Émilie Godin,General Manager of APHny. “It embodies our values of solidarity, inclusion, and community engagement. Every donation, presence, and game played helps sustain services that truly make a difference.”

Personal perspectives

Éric, a member of APHny and the Warriors team, shares his enthusiasm: “I like to walk around the tournament and talk to the othre players. I also volunteer during the day.I love playing with the other players,and it makes me proud.”

Event Details

Here’s a fast overview of what you can expect at the dek Hockey Tournament:

Attribute	Details
Date	Saturday, July 5
Location	Saint-François-du-Lac
Format	Mixed 4 vs 4
Registration Deadline	June 23, 2025
Objective	Raise funds for aphny

The Growing Importance of Community Support for Disability Initiatives

Community-driven events like the Dek Hockey Tournament are becoming increasingly vital for supporting disability initiatives. Government funding often falls short of meeting the complete needs of these organizations,making local fundraising and awareness campaigns essential.

In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift towards inclusive community programs. These programs not only provide financial support but also foster a sense of belonging and participation for individuals with disabilities. According to a 2023 report by Disability Rights International, community-based initiatives substantially improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by promoting social inclusion and independence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Supporting APHny

Here are some common questions about the Dek Hockey tournament and how you can support the Association of People with Disabilities of Nicolet-Yamaska ​​(APHny):

Are you planning to attend or participate in the Dek Hockey tournament? What other community events do you support?

What are the most crucial aspects of communicating the tournament’s inclusive nature to potential participants?

Inclusive Dek Hockey Tournament: Beyond the Game

Dek hockey, also known as street hockey or ball hockey, is a fast-paced and exciting sport. But it can be so much more! an inclusive dek hockey tournament provides a platform for building community and promoting a love for the game among a diverse group of players. Creating a truly accessible dek hockey tournament means considering the needs of individuals of all abilities. This article provides a comprehensive guide to organizing and participating in inclusive dek hockey,covering everything from adaptive equipment to fostering a welcoming environment.

Planning an Inclusive Dek Hockey Event

Organizing an accessible dek hockey tournament requires careful planning and consideration. The goal is to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and able to participate fully in the action.

Venue & Accessibility

the selection of the venue is crucial. Consider the following when scouting and selecting a tournament location:

• level Playing Surface: Ensure the surface is smooth and even. This is critical for individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
• Ramp Access: Ample ramps and accessible entry points are essential for easy navigation throughout the tournament.
• Accessibility Amenities: Accessible restrooms, water fountains, and shaded areas for resting are vital.
• Parking: Adequate parking spaces designated for individuals with disabilities, close to the playing surfaces.

By focusing on accessibility, you’re creating the foundation for an inclusive hockey experience.

Equipment and Modifications

Adapting equipment can significantly enhance accessibility for players with varying physical abilities. Here’s what to think about:

• Modified Sticks: Lighter sticks,shorter stick lengths,and specialized grips are available to help players with limited hand strength or dexterity.
• Wheelchair Hockey Modifications: Ensure a clear understanding of the requirements for wheelchair users and their equipment.
• Adaptive Pucks and Balls: Consider using larger, brighter balls or pucks for players with visual impairments.
• Protective Gear: Prioritize protective gear for all players to increase safety.

Research and procure inclusive sports equipment well in advance of your tournament.

Team Formation and Rules

Team composition is key to an inclusive hockey tournament. Consider:

• Mixed Teams: Encourage the formation of teams that include players of varying skill levels and abilities.
• Rule Adjustments: Adapt the rules to make them fair and accessible. This could involve allowing for an extra player on a team with someone who needs assistance or modifying the offside rule.
• Fair Play: Emphasize sportsmanship and respect for all players to create a positive atmosphere.

Promoting and Participating in Inclusive dek Hockey

Reaching a wider audience is essential for the success of your inclusive dek hockey tournament. Let’s look into outreach and planning.

Marketing and Outreach

Develop marketing materials that genuinely reflect your tournament’s inclusivity:

• Target Audience: Specifically highlight the welcoming environment for individuals with disabilities or anyone new to the sport.
• Multichannel Approach: Run your marketing efforts across social media, local community centers, disability support groups, and schools.
• Partnerships: Collaborate with organizations that advocate for inclusion.

Registration and Communication

Make the registration process easy and welcoming:

• Accessible Registration: Ensure that your registration forms are accessible online and available in alternative formats.
• Open Communication: Clearly communicate the tournament’s rules, policies, and any specific accommodations available.
• Pre-Tournament Briefing: hold a briefing for all participants, particularly coaches and volunteers. This can definitely help to communicate expectations about inclusive participation.

Fostering an inclusive Environment

Beyond the mechanics of set up, creating a genuinely inclusive environment is based on the value players see in participation.

Volunteer Training

Train volunteers to work effectively with diverse groups of participants. Areas to focus on include:

• Disability Awareness: Offer training on disability etiquette, sensitivities, and communication dos and don’ts.
• Adaptive Equipment: Provide training on operating standard adaptive hockey equipment, such as modified hockey sticks.
• First Aid: Ensure a good level of first aid certification within your volunteer team.

Celebrating Diversity

Make your inclusive dek hockey tournament a festivity of diversity. Things to consider:

• Highlight Successes: Publicly celebrate the successes and achievements of all players.
• Create a Culture of Support Encourage all participants and volunteers to create a supportive and positive atmosphere.
• Inclusivity in Visuals: Ensure that your marketing materials, website, and social media channels represent the diversity of your players.

Benefits of Inclusive Dek Hockey

Organizing and participating in these inclusive events provide many benefits:

• Provides a great chance to get active and improves a player’s physical health.
• Fosters social connections and builds a sense of community.
• Promotes empathy and respect for diversity; it challenges preconceived notions.
• Builds self-esteem and confidence.

Ready to plan and host your own tournament? if you are already running an event, please reach out and share your experience!