Off to the nation’s capital
Berwick ringette squad prepping for Ottawa tournament
The U19 ringette team in Berwick is hitting the road in June to face off against athletes from across the country.
Team manager Tammy West said this season seemed like the perfect year for the Berwick and District Ringette Association to send a team to the Capital Ringette Classic Tournament.
“They have done extremely well this year… they were undefeated in their division,” said West, noting the U19 squad comprised of players ranging in age from 14 to 19 won provincials this season.
“We came across this tournament and thought that it would be a great year to take the kids for Canada’s 150th celebrations.”
The group is in the process of trying to raise $15,000 to $18,000 to help with travel costs before embarking on the trip in early June.
There will be a chicken dinner and auction fundraiser at the Lions Hall in Berwick April 23, a barbecue at the Scotiabank in Greenwood April 28 and tickets sold on a $300 prize that will be awarded following a draw taking place May 20.
“Some of these kids have never been out of the province, so it will be a good experience for them to see the capital,” said West.
The players will be staying within walking distance of Parliament Hill, and sightseeing in between games.
West hopes the national tournament will allow local athletes to learn new techniques and plays that will help the team continue to grow.
“These kids have played together for a lot of years, and some of these kids have been on skates since they were three years old,” said West.
“There were years they lost every game, but they’ve persevered… and played together as a team and it was amazing to watch them this year.”
To learn more about how to support the U19 team’s fundraising efforts or how to get involved with ringette, contact West at t_l_west@hotmail.com or 902-670-1709.