Friday, February 27, 2015

Inner-City Hockey Players Compete 7/27 - 3/1

Over 80 of the Nation’s most advanced inner-city youth hockey players will descend to Philadelphia for the 2015 Willie O’Ree Skills Weekend from Friday, February 27 through Sunday  March 1, as the National Hockey League celebrates Hockey is for Everyone.™

The Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation, a model for the NHL’s Hockey is for Everyone™ initiative, is serving as host for the weekend’s festivities which include a visit to the National Liberty Museum, Temple University, The University of Pennsylvania, Independence National Historical Park, and Wells Fargo Center, where they will attend the Philadelphia Flyers vs. New York Rangers game on Saturday February 28.

Participants will be recognized for their achievements on the ice, in the classroom and in the community and will partake in an on-ice clinic conducted by NHL alumni, including O’Ree, the first black player in the NHL. O'Ree now serves as the ambassador for the NHL’s Hockey is for Everyone™ initiative. The weekend is an educational opportunity for young athletes to enhance their skills, meet NHL alumni, create new friendships and enjoy the attractions of Philadelphia.

Hockey is for Everyone™ provides support and unique programing to non-profit youth hockey organizations across North America that are committed to offering children of all backgrounds opportunities to play hockey. The Hockey is for Everyone™ initiative leverages the sport of hockey as a catalyst to help children learn essential life skills, education and the core values of hockey: commitment, perseverance and teamwork.

The Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation was created by Philadelphia Flyers Chairman Ed Snider in 2005 as his personal commitment to teach children important life lessons. Using the sport of hockey, the mission of Snider Hockey is to build lives and unite communities, helping educate young people to succeed in the game of life. Snider Hockey programs are provided at no cost and are focused on underserved boys and girls who otherwise would not have the opportunity to play, with an emphasis on character development, life skills, fitness, nutrition, and academics.

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