RIGHT TO PLAY
Flames’ Jay Bouwmeester off on mission to Ghana
Calgary Flames defenceman Jay Bouwmeester is on the move. But it’s not what you might think.
While the seven-year National Hockey Leaguer has been the subject of considerable trade conjecture, the 28-year-old native of Edmonton is actually going to Ghana in support of Right To Play.
The organization improves children’s lives in impoverished global areas through the power of sports.
Bouwmeester will spend a full week in Ghana, travelling to the country’s capital city of Accra as well as Dodowa, Obom and Battor while participating in assorted programs directed by Right to Play’s volunteers.
A large number of NHL players are among the many amateur and professional athletes who donate time and money to Right To Play.
“Field visits, like Jay’s, allow our Athlete Ambassadors to witness the profound impact their support has on communities around the world, while also educating them on Right To Play’s programs, enabling them to become better Ambassadors for the organization,” Right To Play athlete and media relations officer Ashton Lawrence told Calgaryflames.com.
“Regardless of whether an athlete competes in a summer or winter discipline, they’ve all experienced the positive impact sport has had on their lives. They are the perfect spokespeople for Right To Play, embodying the best values of sport.”
Bouwmeester, who has spent the past three years with the Flames, is one of nine defencemen the club has signed to one-way deals for the upcoming season. He is the highest paid of the blueline corps at $6.68 million, with two years left on his contract. The latest trade rumour had the Detroit Red Wings allegedly making a pitch for him.