As proud parents of Rajan, a HEROS player with the Jane and Finch chapter, Rayon and Alissia knew that signing their son up for HEROS was an opportunity that they couldn’t let pass them by – and they’re glad they didn’t.
The program has not only provided opportunities for Rajan, but has also given the family a chance to connect with each other through their newfound love of hockey.
Prior to joining HEROS’ Jane and Finch chapter, Rajan had tried to skate several times with his family but finding access to all the resources needed to do that proved difficult. However, as his parents explain, the desire to ensure their family had the opportunity to explore something new and be a part of something that so many other Canadian families get to experience, kept them motivated to find the right opportunity.
HEROS turned out to be that opportunity.
There was no hesitation to sign Rajan up for HEROS after they learned about the program through one of the many kind and dedicated teachers at Rajan’s school, and now, HEROS has become something that the family looks forward to each Wednesday in full support.
Rajan was quick to pick up his on-ice skills, becoming a great skater and even scoring a few goals along the way, but it wasn’t on the ice that he made the biggest impact. After developing such a passion for being on the ice, Rajan encouraged the rest of his family to develop a love for the game as well.
“This is an opportunity for us to watch and support our kids”, said Alissia. She continued, explaining that she has learned lots about the game of hockey from Rajan and has come to enjoy life on the inside of an arena as a hockey mom. For hockey dad Rayon, he began learning how to skate and, not unlike his son, picked up the skill quickly – although Rajan can’t help but joke that he still, “skates circles around his dad”. Even Rajan’s younger brother Ra’khi has become obsessed with hockey and can’t wait to join his big brother on the ice when he steps into the HEROS program.
Wednesday at HEROS has become something that the entire family enjoys as they cheer on Rajan and celebrate with some pizza after practice, all while building their own incredible relationships with the teachers, coaches and parents of other HEROS players.
This past season was truly a remarkable one for our Jane and Finch HEROS, where they experienced an unprecedented level of engagement, not only from players, but from volunteers, HEROS alumni and parents like Rayon and Alissia who stood behind the players and the program, by coming together to create an incredible sense of community, week after week.
It was the perfect showcase for what hockey can accomplish in our communities when everyone gets the opportunity to be a part of the game.
“I really, really do appreciate what HEROS does not just for my son, but other kids because it gives them an opportunity,” said Rayon. “It’s not something that is affordable for everybody because everybody knows hockey is expensive. A lot of kids are from single parent homes, whether single dads or single moms. But I’m happy to know that programs like HEROS gives these kids a chance.”
One of those chances Rayon remembers, is the moment Rajan was selected to play as a goalie during HEROS practice.
“When they actually picked him,” said Rayon,” and he actually got a chance to really be a goalie and to see that, he’s protecting his team and not only protecting his team but defending what they’re trying to do he was very, very happy. And to know that, as his parent, he actually got the chance and he was well, I believe the first goalie [at Jane and Finch HEROS] within the last five years or something like that, I was very proud.”
Rajan’s mom, Alissia had similar feelings of pride for her son in that moment, saying, “It felt so good to watch my son, who couldn’t even stand on skates when he started, become so confident in his skills, and see him learn to slide and block shots. It was a great moment.”
Both parents have hopes that in future seasons, Rajan and Ra’khi will eventually play together on the HEROS team, as Ra’khi looks up to his brother and sees how much Rajan enjoys the program.
To families similar to Rajan’s, HEROS’ impact goes beyond what happens at the rink, it’s about the bigger picture. It’s about the players, the parents and the volunteers that encourage and motivate each other along the way and the simple joy of being part of something bigger than themselves.
As certified hockey parents, Rayon and Alissia understand this better than most, explaining that one of the most important aspects of the HEROS program is, “the accomplishment they [the players] can get from being part of the team”, and according to them, this isn’t a feeling exclusive to the players. “As parents, we could actually be part of the team, support and really volunteer to help them more,” said Rayon, with Alissia adding, “It’s a community. The schools, the teachers, everyone. They all care and they want to see the kids succeed.”
HEROS is lucky to have hockey families like Rajan’s as part of our community. Can’t wait to see you all at the rink next season!