The Game On Ball Hockey charity event is back!
After being held virtually last year, Game On will be held in-person next month. This marks the ninth year for the fundraiser. Event founder and organizer Angelo Posteraro says the lifting of restrictions this summer was a big step forward for the event.
He adds that holding last year’s event, whether in-person or virtually, was vital because they didn’t want COVID-19 to take away an initiative designed to strengthen mental health.
There is a loose fundraising goal of $30,000 this year. They managed to raise $10,000 virtually last year, and over the past nine years, the event has gathered over $140,000 in funds for ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids).
Posteraro says the real goal each year is to improve mental health.
Last year’s virtual event saw a bunch of surprise celebrity guests, including Tara Slone and Ron MacLean, as well as hockey legend Hayley Wickenheiser. Posteraro says there isn’t anything set in stone just yet, but he’s hoping for a special guest or two this year.
Posteraro says that unfortunately, there isn’t much for children to do in Milton. He says events like this, especially following a province-wide shutdown, can help kids get out of the house, get some exercise, and have fun with friends – all things that can improve mental health.
A big focus that Posteraro wants to get across is that, while the word tournament is used for the event, it’s not about skill. He says it’s an opportunity for kids to play a game with their friends, and that anyone of any skill level can play – all they need is a hockey stick.
The Game On Ball Hockey charity event will be held on Saturday, September 25th at the Milton Home Depot parking lot. Registration is $10 each, which covers lunch, a free t-shirt, participation medal, protective eyewear, and your name engraved on the ‘Stanley Cup’. Posteraro says they’ve purposely kept the fee a low price to not exclude any kids from playing. Registration is open now.
