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updated: 03/30/05
Hello, all! Hope that everyone arrived home safe and sound.
Thank you for attending the 11th Annual Special Hockey International Tournament, hosted by the Cooksville Crusaders. We are so glad to hear that everyone had a great time!
As Chair and main contact for the tournament, I heard some very positive feedback both during and after the event. It is very important that our kids know just how much they have impacted the people they interacted with over the duration of the event. I would ask that every coach please relay my message below to your teams, whether it be at your next game or at the next team get-together.
A Successful Event and Fun Had By All!
Dear Athletes:
I wanted you all to know how very proud you have made not only myself, but your families, coaches, teammates and the Special Hockey International organization over the duration of the tournament in Mississauga.
Over a year ago, when I first approached the arenas and hotel about our tournament, the staff there were very hesitant. They didn't know what to expect, not only because it was going to be such a huge event, but also because many had never been involved with people with intellectual disabilities. They thought it was going to be like all the other hockey tournaments where the athletes were rowdy and noisy, and didn't act or behave appropriately.
I assured them they would be very surprised because our tournament was going to be unlike any they had ever seen. I gave them my word they had absolutely nothing to fear or worry about.
I knew you would not disappoint, and I am happy to say that each and every person I spoke with at the arenas and the hotel were absolutely thrilled with meeting you. The words used were "Jan, you were right! Your athletes were as polite and courteous as you said. We wish other teams could conduct themselves as your athletes did. They were well mannered and polite and we enjoyed every single minute they were with us. Our staff have not stopped talking about their special visitors and are very glad to have been a part of their tournament. When are they coming back?"
Athletes, you have made us all proud, whether it was the smile you gave the doorman, the high five you gave the people at the rink, or the please and thank you's to those who served you. Your family and friends have been privileged to be a part of your lives, and we have extended that privilege to the many, many strangers you met over the days of the tournament.
God bless you all, Love...
Jan Hajjar
Chairperson
P.S. Don't forget to sign our guestbook at www.cooksvillecrusaders.com!
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| Mar. 30, 2005 |
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| by Declan Finucane The
Hershey Centre will be jam-packed with hockey players this Friday
and Saturday, but it's not the Mississauga IceDogs who will be
scoring the goals. Hockey players and teams from as far away as Colorado and St. Louis will join skaters from Mississauga, Brampton, Orangeville and elsewhere for 48 hours of exciting hockey, tournament organizers say. The annual tournament alternates between Canada and the U.S. Last year's event was held in Washington, D.C. Tournament chair Jan Hajjar said they're expecting some 1,500 people to attend the weekend event, which gets underway with Thursday's opening ceremonies at the Delta Meadowvale Resort and Conference Centre. Hajjar said Special Hockey International, which gives those with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to play the game they love, got its start more than a decade ago in North York. Today, 24 organizations from across North America and as far away as England, including Cooksville Crusaders, count themselves as members. And, the number is growing, said Hajjar. "People (all over the world) are hearing about us...and seeing the young athletes play is tremendous," said Hajjar, adding players' ages range from 6 to 45. "Their passion and sportsmanship...that's what hockey is all about. "We have various levels of skill. The bottom line, though, is these are people who want to play hockey and who want to be part of the community." Hajjar said participants in this weekend's tourney will also get the chance to have their pictures taken with the Stanley Cup. THE MISSISSAUGA NEWS (note:
this layout has been altered slightly to fit our web format) |
Letter to the Toronto Star
 |
| Mar. 2, 2005. 01:00 AM |
|
| Since there is no NHL this year, why not award the Stanley Cup to Special Hockey International? Stanley Cup I have the perfect answer to the question of who should be awarded the Stanley Cup this year. Let's award it to the participants of the 11th Annual Special Hockey International Tournament to be hosted by the Cooksville Crusaders March 31 to April 2 at Hershey Centre and Iceland, Mississauga. Opening and closing ceremonies will take place at the Delta Meadowvale. As chair of this year's event, I am expecting more than 600 intellectually disabled players. When you add in their family and friends, there will be more than 1,600 taking part in the tournament. It will be made even more special since the Crusaders will be celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. There are 24 organizations of Special Hockey International --- and it is still growing. Teams are spread across North America and England. Thirty-five teams are scheduled to participate in our tournament. Seeing these young people play is what hockey is all about. They have a passion for the game and exhibit admirable sportsmanship. Our players have been known to step aside and give a teammate a chance to score. No matter what skill level, they come to the annual tournaments, which alternate between the U.S. and Canada, with heart, spirit and enthusiasm. Awarding them the Stanley Cup would be the thrill of a lifetime for our athletes, and would solve the problem of what to do with the cup this year. A very special memory for our dedicated and very special athletes to take away with them. Jan Hajjar, Chair, 2005 Tournament, Cooksville Crusaders Special Hockey International, Mississauga (note:
this layout has been altered slightly to fit our web format)
|
Awards to Junior and Senior Teams
Four players on the Cooksville Crusaders team have been given awards.
They are as follows from left to right:
| Aaron Lindsay | Sr. Team |
Sportsmanship Award |
| Heather Doyon | Jr. Team |
Most Improved Player |
| Robert Hajjar | Jr. Team |
Sportsmanship Award |
| Mark Ellis | Sr.
Team |
Most Improved Player |
A good effort was made by all, and as you can see there was good fun too. Way to go team!
Pat Flick
Founder of SHI
presented his Congratulations,
along with the
Heart League
Trophy Award
to the
Cooksville Crusader Team
to bring back to Canada.
Player Rob Hajjar,
one of the original players, having scored two goals,
was chosen to accept the trophy
on behalf of his team.
The Cooksville Crusader Team
will be the
2005
Hosts of the
S.H.I. Tournament
Contact:
Tom Iwasiw tom.wi@sympatico.ca
Jan Hajjar (Chair) robeljan@aol.com
stay tuned for more information to follow soon.
~ Friday, June 11, 2004 ~
S.C.O.B. and the students of Bloorlea Middle School
held a dance fest in support of our Tournament and raised over $2,500!!!!!
Can you believe it!! Adonis International Marketing Inc. brought in
almost $1,000 worth of prizes, international dance groups, and a rockin' DJ.
The kids were absolutely thrilled with all the draws (never saw so many prizes at one event!).
Everyone enjoyed the great lunch. Absolutely a wonderful and class event!!
Kudos to Adonis for all their hard work and to the students of Bloorlea Middle School.
They deserve a medal!!
~ Thursday, June 3, 2004 ~
© 2004 Cooksville
Crusaders and the Special Hockey International Organization
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