There is something fantastic about having the chance to go out to a sporting event where the main goal is not to win, but more for the people taking part to have a good time.
While out taking pictures at a novice hockey game this week, I had the chance to watch some very small hockey players do their best, but at the same time, not seem overly concerned about the scoreboard.
A novel idea, this should not be.
The two teams faced off, and for three periods the crowd cheered, praised and occasionally had a good chuckle at the events taking place on the ice.
The importance of giving these children the chance to take part in these athletic endeavours should not be understated.
The children were learning about being a part of a team, getting excited watching the players on the ice scoot back and forth, while also taking time to relax on the bench.
These games, and many others like this, would not happen if it were not for the dedicated work of the people coming out and volunteering their time to work with the children and the parents, who get up early to take them to a field, arena or court.
Volunteers are found in many different areas of the community.
Whether it is through organizations, at schools or anywhere else, people step up to help give the next generation a place to be.
To see this in full action, you need not have looked further than all the people, both young and old, who were at the Royal Canadian Legion in the wee hours of a Saturday morning.
Local cadets had gathered to hit the streets with poppies for this 2011 kickoff, leading into Remembrance Day.
They were not alone on this day, as many more children, young adults and their parents were also gathered to help in any way they could.
Everyone, from young hockey players to others who were making the morning snacks, was working together to make the day a success.
They were not out to gain something for themselves; they were working together for a greater cause.
This is inspirational in its own way, and all of the people who took part to help out deserve credit for what they did.
Taking an interest in helping out around any community is never a bad cause to take up.
People who take on the challenge of organizing activities for others step up to help in many different ways.
These people are also the residents who don’t look for the pat on the back or expect anyone to make a comment about all the good they do.
At one point during the hockey game, a couple of the players from Golden leaned back on the bench and had a moment of joking around with their coach, who, in turn, had a little fun chatting with them.
The score may not have been on their side, but laughing with their teammates, giggling with their coach and having a great time ruled the day.
It has to be stressed that many of these organizations and groups could not exist without the volunteers who help run them.
At the end of the day, your children are given many things to do in Golden because of the hard work of volunteers and parents who get out and give of themselves.
So I wanted to say to all of those people who give their time to help out at sporting events and all of the other fun activities the children take part in, a job well done.
Darryl Crane
