Inclusive ringette program allows everyone to participate

The Markham-Stouffville Ringette Association (MSRA) introduced the popular Ringette for All program at Angus Glen Community Centre on January 17.

Ringette for All, founded by the City of Ottawa Ringette Association, is an inclusive and adaptive program that allows participants of all abilities to learn the fundamentals of ringette in a safe, accessible and fun environment.

“Ringette is inherently an inclusive sport. It is a Canadian invented sport that was started in North Bay, Ontario, in 1963 to provide opportunities for players excluded from hockey because of their gender,” MSRA president Gerald Lamoureux said. “We are thrilled to support this initiative of one of our young players to bring inclusive and barrier-free ringette to the GTA.”

“I love to play ringette; it’s a fun team ice sport that has helped me develop many skills on and off the ice,” said Bairavi Anandasangaree, a U19A player, Jr. Coach, and Grade 11 student who initiated this event in Markham.

At the Ringette for All event, children and youth with physical and intellectual abilities participated in fun on-ice activities with coaches and volunteers to develop confidence, build social skills and learn to play ringette.

For more information, visit www.markhamringette.com