Kitchener Rangers Complete BIPOC Training
On Tuesday, May 25th the Kitchener Rangers Organization participated in an anti-racism education program led by Rico Phillips, the Director of Cultural Diversity and Inclusion for the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Front Office Staff, Alumni Mentors, the Board of Directors & Rangers Reach Board of Directors all participated in training and education. Earlier this season, Rangers players and hockey staff participated in the education program.
“As part of our commitment to strive to provide leadership within the community and hockey world, we are so grateful for the leadership that Rico Phillips has provided to our organization. This is the first step within our BIPOC Program which we announced this past fall,” commented Joe Birch, Chief Operating Officer.
The Rangers will continue to be leaders within the Canadian Hockey League by taking action in support of the BIPOC community and commit to the following:
- For the 2020/21 season and beyond, the entire organization (staff, players, billets, parents, executive and Rangers Reach board) will implement and participate in an anti-racism education program led by Rico Phillips, the Director of Cultural Diversity and Inclusion for the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
- For the 2021/22 season and beyond, in collaboration with Rangers Reach, no less than three BIPOC community members from the Region of Waterloo will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship to be used at a post-secondary institution of their choosing.
- For the 2021/22 season and beyond, in collaboration with Rangers Reach, no less than three BIPOC community members from the Region of Waterloo who have demonstrated financial need will receive up to $1,000 to be used towards their minor hockey base registration fees and equipment needs.
Rico Phillips had this to say about the training he provided to the organization, “The opportunity to help open dialogue on the topics surrounding diversity and inclusion with the Kitchener Rangers entire organization has been positively impactful. The Kitchener Rangers and Rangers Reach are proving their commitment to helping shift the culture of hockey in a way that will have a lasting impact on the Organization, the OHL and most importantly, the Kitchener community. #Words2Action”
Both the Rangers Board of Directors and Rangers Reach Board Members participated in the education training.
“The Kitchener Rangers are Leaders and lead by example. Today is no different as the Rangers entire organization, including its Board of Directors, office staff, hockey staff and players have taken part in BIPOC training. This will allow all of us to facilitate change and work to combat bias and prejudice and be advocates for diversity and inclusion,” stated Michael Deane, President of the Kitchener Rangers.
Craig Campbell, Executive Director for Rangers Reach added, “This is a great first step of a journey that will include listening, learning, speaking up and being part of a significant change happening in our society.”
With the first step of training and education now complete, the Rangers will soon be announcing additional details on how Waterloo region BIPOC community members can access both the academic and hockey scholarships.
