Golden experience

Times Reporter   

 

Four time Olympic Women’s hockey gold medalist Hayley Wickenheiser had many fans of all ages line up for an autograph and picture with her and her 2014 gold medal on Aug. 30. 

Wickenheiser was at the Strathmore Canadian Tire to celebrate the store’s second place finish in the Red Ball campaign. 

The Jumpstart program raises funds to assist less fortunate kids to participate in sports in Canada.

Wickenheiser could not be any happier to be an ambassador not only for the program but also for young athletes.

“As a female athlete and a kid that grew up in a small town in Saskatchewan having the opportunity to just play and getting involved in sports was a big factor in the direction in my life in where it has gone,” said Wickenheiser. “Jumpstart is trying to bridge the gap for kids that cannot get involved or cannot afford to (be in sports). It also raises the awareness of how important it is to be active and involved in sports.”

It did not take a lot of convincing to get Wickenheiser involved in the program to help kids pursue their dream of playing sports.

“For me it is an easy no brainer to be a part of it and I think they have done an amazing job in getting kids across this country involved in sports,” said Wickenheiser.

Sports can be very costly to play in and many families cannot afford to put their kids in them so proceeds from the Jumpstart go a long way in helping a young player. 

“(For example), if you look at hockey it is a very expensive sport, it can cost over $1,000 to put your kid in the sport and to buy all new equipment, the fees and driving. A lot of families with multiple kids cannot afford that and so Jumpstart alleviates that burden for a lot of families and a lot of people need that help,” said Wickenheiser.

Playing with Team Canada for several years now, Wickenheiser has played in Strathmore against the UFA Bisons in preparation for the Olympics.

“The thing about Strathmore is with the national team in our preparation for Olympic cycles we have played in the midget triple-A league in Alberta and a number of games against the (UFA) Bisons. The rink is always packed and we always get great community support,” said Wickenheiser. “The rink and hockey is often a centre of the community and makes the town come together.”

Canadian Tire store owner Randy Orford could not be more overjoyed by the turnout for the celebration and for Wickenheiser to be here for the special event 

“It was really just a combination and celebration of our achievement back in May when we were able to place second in Canada for Canadian Tire out of 490 stores, “said Orford.

“We raised $14,000 and to have the opportunity to get Hayley Wickenheiser come out and celebrate the day with us is fantastic and a great ambassador (for Jumpstart).”

Wickenheiser is planning to play for the University of Calgary Dinos this year and plans on finishing up her Masters by next August.