When a city gains a SuperHEROS / HEROS program, there is much to celebrate and anticipate about the future ahead. In 2018, the first ever SuperHEROS program launched with the help of our partners at the Flames Foundation, who remain Calgary SuperHEROS’ biggest fans to this day. The launch of this program is an important milestone for HEROS and serves as the foundation for each of the 8 SuperHEROS programs that would follow.
Now in its eighth season — our HEROS Coast to Coast journey brings us to the city of Calgary, where SuperHEROS all began.
Randy, one of the on-ice lead volunteers responsible for designing and leading the practice sessions for Calgary SuperHEROS, has been with the Calgary SuperHEROS from the very beginning.
“Quite a few of our players have been a part of SuperHEROS from the beginning so we’ve grown together, learned from each other and shared many special moments,” said Randy.
“With the variety of challenges our SuperHEROS players face, sometimes you don’t recognize or appreciate the influence you are having with them,” said Randy. “But those moments when you get a hug from a player that you would never expect it from, there’s nothing better.”
SuperHEROS provides youth with cognitive and physical barriers an opportunity to play and participate in the sport of hockey with their fellow peers.
Randy alongside the team at SuperHEROS Calgary see the players’ confidence grow week by week as players take to the ice. Each practice is a new opportunity, and these players make the most out of it.
“There’s the hockey side where you see them [the SuperHEROS players] improve, whether that’s just getting more comfortable being on skates or developing their skills,” said Randy. “But it’s really the interactions, the smiles, the laughs and the conversations with them that are the best part.”
These moments which include sharing a laugh with a teammate, learning a new drill and having fun at the rink each week is what HEROS strives for.
The staff and volunteers are important in making that a reality, as well as creating some really awesome SuperHEROS Calgary traditions.
The first tradition is all in the greeting.
“Each week when the players arrive at the rink, they are greeted by volunteers, but what is unique is the enthusiasm that Coach Rob puts into each interaction every week making every one of the players feel special when they come in,” said Randy.
Next, on the ice sticking to a routine is key.
“On the ice, our practices have a general routine, so the players are comfortable and know what to expect,” said Randy.
The third tradition involves community.
“Every year, the players get a couple chances to skate with the Calgary Hitmen, play a game against the Calgary Flames Alumni and also play some youth teams from around the city,” said Randy. “I’ve been able to bring the U15AAA team that I coach out to play the SuperHEROS each season, and I find those days quite rewarding to have my two hockey worlds come together in the spirit of the sport.”
As a volunteer with direct experience on how much this SuperHEROS program has benefitted the players, their families and the community, Randy explains the positive effect of ensuring a program such as SuperHEROS exists.
“I would like people to know that HEROS and SuperHEROS are so much more than just offering children and young adults an hour of ice time each week,” said Randy.
“These programs provide opportunities for the players to have a sense of belonging, to grow as people, and to help enhance their experiences in daily life away from the rink. I’m not sure that is fully appreciated. The work that Norm, Kevin and the volunteers in all of the programs are doing is truly making a difference and positively impacting the programs’ participants and their families.”
If you’d like to help volunteers like Randy make a lasting impact on SuperHEROS players each week, consider becoming a monthly donor today. From ice time and skates, to adapted equipment – and sometimes even some bubbles – monthly donors help ensure our coaches and players have everything they need to find success on and off the ice.
Click here to begin your monthly contributions today!
