Ziyad Khan named OMHA Essay Contest Finalist!!
For the 4th year in a row, a player from the Unionville
Minor Hockey Association has received finalist honours in the OMHA's annual
Essay Contest, presented by Respect in Sport Group! This annual contest is designed to engage
players in an educational manner while encouraging them to express their
thoughts on what life skills they learn from playing hockey. This year's theme
was ‘Hockey is for everyone because…..'
Over 200 essays were submitted and the Ontario Minor Hockey
Association in partnership with Respect in Sport want to thank everyone for
their participation. Based on the quality, creativity and passion demonstrated
in their submission, five finalists were selected with one of them emerging as
our grand prize winner.
This year, Ziyad Khan (Peewee House League Player) was selected as one of four finalists in this year's OMHA Essay Contest!
“The Ontario Minor Hockey Association is proud of all of the Essay Contest participants for their examples of positive life skills and the impact they are making on and off the ice in their hockey communities," said OMHA Executive Director Ian Taylor. "All of the essays submitted showed that the future of hockey is in a great place and that what we are teaching our players is more than just hockey skills."
“Respect in Sport is about providing a positive environment for all, so that hockey players can enjoy the game, and learn from the positive adult role models around them, like parents, coaches, and officials,” said Respect Group's Ontario Director Mark Allen. “Respect Group is very proud to support the OMHA Essay Contest and wants to thank every player who submitted an essay and also congratulate the five Finalists."
"Hockey is for everyone because...."
By: Ziyad Khan - Unionville
Hockey is for everyone regardless of what your nationality is, how old you are, and what your gender is. Hockey originated in Canada, and it has captured the hearts of Canadians and people all around the world. Hockey has a special way of bringing people together and allowing people to connect with one another. My grandparents came to Canada over 40 years ago, and hockey is one of the sports that they really enjoyed watching and made them feel connected to their new home. I can see the excitement in my friends and family when we gather to watch an NHL game on television. I have enjoyed watching hockey for as long as I can remember, and I have been playing house league hockey for the past few years.
Each week I look forward to playing with my team. We have a practice so that we can improve and learn new skills and play a competitive game. Hockey has taught me how to work hard, build new skills, work with a team, and most importantly to have fun and make new friends. I believe that hockey truly is a unique sport that has the power to change the hearts of people everywhere and I believe that hockey should always be played with respect for one another.
