February 4, 2010 - The Health Unit congratulates the organizers of the recent Robin’s Hockey Classic Tournament for being the first hockey tournament in the region with a ‘tobacco free’ policy. The policy required all teams to follow tobacco free practices and to support efforts to help keep kids tobacco free.
Tournament Coordinator Joe Rizzuto said, “When approached with the option of making such a proclamation, the executive committee of the annual Robin’s Hockey Tournament was quick to acknowledge its leadership role in the sport of hockey and recognized an incredible opportunity to positively affect youths’ lifestyle decisions.”
Ryan Klymenko, a Pee Wee A hockey player for Volunteer Pool Bearcats, received the ‘Tobacco Free Player of the Game’ award. Ryan received a $100 gift certificate for Play it Again Sports and assorted hockey items. His lucky name was drawn from over a hundred names submitted by coaches at the end of each of the tournament to be entered for the final draw.
Each tournament participant received a hockey puck promoting “tobacco free” to commemorate the occasion. All coaches and officials were encouraged to support the athlete’s commitment to themselves and the team by promoting a ‘tobacco free’ choice.
“Tobacco prevention strategies such as this are important because we know that young people who do not start using a tobacco product by the age of 18 will most likely never start,” commented Susan Trevisan, Public Health Nurse and Tobacco Treatment Specialist at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. “Tobacco use is considered the single most preventable cause of premature disease and death in Canada.”
All sports teams are encouraged to adopt a ‘tobacco free’ policy. It promotes a healthy athletic environment and sends a positive message to youth. Assistance is available for all sports teams interested in becoming part of the tobacco free sports movement by contacting the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
Congratulations to all athletes who participated in the ‘tobacco free’ tournament.
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