On March 27, the Ottawa Black Bears and Their Opportunity teamed up to provide a lacrosse clinic for the youth in Kitigan Zibi, Que. located just over two hours north of Ottawa.
Their Opportunity is a nationwide charity, that focuses on subsidizing sport in local communities to enact growth and betterment within. The visit to Kitigan Zibi was the second collaboration between the Black Bears and Their Opportunity, following a January visit to Pikwàkanagàn.
The Black Bears, in partnership with Their Opportunity, donated 30 sets of sticks, gloves and helmets, alongside two full sets of goalie equipment to the youth of the community.
Ottawa Black Bears defencemen Trent Robertson led the clinic alongside Adam Gardner, the founder and director of Next Level Lacrosse, and Asennnaienton (Frank) Horn, a proud Kanien’keha:ke (Mohawk) from sister communities of Kahnawake and Kanesatake in Quebec and Their Opportunity’s Indigenous advisor.
The youth were aged from around four years old to in their mid teens, and were led through a variety of drills ranging from shooting, passing, and cradling by Robertson, Garnder, and Horn.
President and CEO of Their Opportunity, Randy Gills, was smiling with joy seeing the equipment being donated “It is so special to watch the kids’ faces light up. It is amazing,” said Gills
Robertson loved his time in Kitigan Zibi, mentioning how important these types of clinics are to him. “Community involvement is really big,” said Roberston. “This game means so much to me, to try and give back to the community is number one on my list.”
As time went on, it was visually apparent that the youth were improving rapidly while also having a blast, while parents of the youth were seen beaming with joy watching their kids enjoy the sports.
Horn also talked about how these types of clinics and community involvement make his job more enjoyable. “It was moments like this, that will always stick with me,” said Horn. “What I’m hopeful for, is for these kids take away from this and go ‘That was fun, I want to do this more often.'”
This visit took place the Friday before Ottawa took on Georgia for their Deadpool theme night. In the team’s game against the Toronto Rock on Jan. 9, youth from both Kitigan Zibi and the Pikwàkanagàn Anishinabeg First Nation were recognized before opening faceoff as part of Creator’s Game Night Ceremony at the Canadian Tire Centre.
The Black Bears have just two regular season games remaining: April 10 vs. Toronto, and April 18 at Halifax.
You can view the team’s entire schedule here, purchase Season Seats here, and Single Game tickets here.
Engage with the Black Bears on X: @OttBlackBears
Follow the Black Bears on Instagram: @OttBlackBears
