To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Fred Helfmann and I am the physical education teacher at Chief Old Sun Elementary School in Siksika, Alberta. I am writing this letter to express my sincere joy and gratitude to the staff of the First Nations Health Consortium, Goldline Curling and any other associated organizations or individuals that helped bring both “Rocks and Rings” and “Try Curling” to our school. I am still in awe of how quickly and fully our students embraced this new, unique experience and I am very happy to report that the level of student enjoyment both with on-ice and floor curling were simply off the charts.
The importance of sport in terms of creating and fostering positive outlets is immeasurable. Especially in an isolated, low socioeconomic community, involvement in sport is one of few “safe havens” that individuals have that they can lean on to live healthy, happy lives. Physical activity can be incredibly therapeutic which is important for a demographic with such widespread trauma, and the more positive avenues that individuals have at their disposal, the better chance they have at leading successful lives.
That is why the programs that the First Nation’s Health Consortium have shared with our youth are so important. While there are opportunities in Siksika to get involved in common sports such as basketball and hockey, enjoyment in sport looks different for everyone. The more unique options and experiences we can offer, the larger the net we can cast to hopefully build up interest and eventually passion in sport, whatever that may look like for any particular individual.
While leaving the curling rink last Saturday, our students were absolutely beaming. One student asked “Can we do things like this every weekend”? That right there is exactly what we should be aiming for. Although that student may not necessarily develop a passion for curling in particular, or perhaps even ever curl again, you have helped provide a genuine positive athletic experience for them. At the very least that student will look back fondly at their memory of this athletic experience, be more inclined to get involved in sport because of this, and take more risks in terms of athletic involvement. This is a recipe that directs these children down a positive path towards passion for sport, whatever that looks like for them.
In closing, I would just like to again thank everyone involved for what you have done for our children over the last few weeks. Each and every one of you has been so genuine and pure with your intentions and It is people like you who are not just making the difference our youth need, but in general make the world a better place.
Best Regards,
Fred Helfmann