Blue Jackets Foundation and YMCA of Central Ohio Unveil New Street Hockey Rink for Community Youth
The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation and YMCA of Central Ohio have collaborated to unveil a new street hockey rink at the Liberty/Powell YMCA. The rink, funded by the Blue Jackets Foundation and the NHL, was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by CBJ center Cole Sillinger and former player Andrew Cassels. This ADA-accessible rink will host youth clinics and programs for the community and nearby schools. The YMCA's President & CEO, Tony Collins, emphasized the positive impact of this initiative on the local youth, promoting confidence, teamwork, and lifelong skills development.
The Blue Jackets Foundation's commitment to supporting children's health and wellness in central Ohio is exemplified through partnerships with local charities like the YMCA of Central Ohio. Chair of the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, Cathy Lyttle, expressed pride in the collaboration, highlighting the broader impact beyond just providing a space for play. The street hockey rink project is seen as an investment in the youth's health, wellness, and future, fostering active lifestyles, teamwork, and confidence-building opportunities.
In the spirit of community engagement, a free "Get Out & Learn" clinic was organized by Sillinger and Cassels for over 60 local children aged 5 to 12 following the ribbon-cutting event. Participants were equipped with their own hockey stick, ball, and t-shirt, encouraging them to engage in the sport and stay active. The Liberty/Powell YMCA, serving a community of over 10,000 individuals, is set to benefit from the new street hockey rink, providing a platform for youth development and recreational activities.
In conclusion, the partnership between the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation and the YMCA of Central Ohio has brought forth a valuable addition to the Liberty Township and Powell communities in the form of a new street hockey rink. This collaborative effort not only promotes physical activity and sports participation but also instills important values of teamwork, confidence, and healthy living among the local youth. The impact of this initiative extends beyond the rink, contributing to the overall well-being and development of children in central Ohio.