Attack Kick Off School Tour Today!
Throughout the 2010-2011 season, members of the Owen Sound Attack will be visiting school’s all over the surrounding area to spread the message about bullying. Bullying has become a hot-button topic in schools over the last several years, so much so that many schools are basing activities around anti-bullying. November 15th-19th is national Anti-Bullying Week around the world and members of the Owen Sound Attack were at Beavercrest Community School in Markdale, ON. to speak with kids about the issue.
Members of the Attack speak with children about the importance of being a good classmate, teammate and/or brother/sister and having respect for their parents, teachers, coaches and other authority figures. “It is important for kids to learn respect at a young age”, said Attack Captain Garrett Wilson. Wilson went on to say that, “If we as players can teach children respect for others now, it can only help them in the future.”
The Attack players also touch on the “monkey see, monkey do” element to being a young sports fan. The players stress to the young children that just because they see a fight or a physical altercation on TV or at the rink, does not mean it is okay to reenact that event at school or at home. “We try to tell the children that when they become young adults, they will have the opportunity to make their own career choices.”, stated overage defenseman Matt Stanisz. “There is a physical nature to the sport we play and this is the career choice that we have made. Their parents do not send them (the kids) to school to be beat up or verbally abused. For them (the kids), it’s not a choice.”
The Attack implemented their “Anti-Bullying” program two seasons ago with the help of local police. “It is very important to us that these children hear what our players have to say,” stated Attack Director of Marketing and PR, Brent Fisher. “Our players are very highly regarded by this age group and if we can get the message out to them and prevent one or two instances from happening then we have done a good job.”
The Attack currently have over 20 school visits booked, ranging from close by Owen Sound Schools to Bruce Peninsula District School to Ripley Huron School this Thursday. “It is great to get out to all of the area school’s” said first year Attack member Andrew Shaw. “It is really nice to get out to not only the Owen Sound schools but all of the area schools that support us and see the enthusiasm in the kids faces.”
For more information regarding the Attack’s Tour of Schools please contact Brent Fisher at the Owen Sound Attack Office.
