Press Release
The Fort Frances Lakers, currently competing for first place in the SIJHL, also are winners off the ice.
The Lakers are the pioneer team in the SIJHL to initiate, organize, and participate in an “adopt-a-school” program.
The architect of this program is retired school teacher Larry Patrick, who also is a volunteer with the local Junior ‘A’ squad.
It is the objective of Laker players to visit schools as good role models willing to contribute in some small way to the literacy of school children.
Teachers usually have the Laker players read to the students, thereby contributing to reading literacy and/or help in the delivery of curricula such as a phys. ed. lesson.
Sometimes the players help with special activities like soccer tournaments or Hallowe’en parties.
It’s pretty much a given that the Laker players always are engaged with students in some meaningful way.
Generally speaking, the players visit Robert Moore School once a week for a period of about an hour.
Recently, Robert Moore vice-principal Cam Keast stated the Lakers’ “adopt-a-school” program was embraced by teachers and students as a beneficial activity.
The players visiting Robert Moore enjoy interacting with the students and take their role as ambassadors for the hockey team seriously.
It’s especially gratifying to be contributing to the community’s moral and social fabric in some way.
McDonald’s Restaurant and Boston Pizza both support the Fort Frances Lakers’ “adopt-a-school” program by giving food coupons to both the students and players.
The Lakers are grateful to both organizations for their community spirit demonstrated through their support.
The Lakers also wish to thank Keast and the Robert Moore staff and students for participating in the program.
