A day of inclusion on the streets of Halifax
Dozens of kids gathered in Halifax’s Mulgrave Park this weekend for a free street hockey tournament that turned the neighborhood’s quiet streets into a makeshift rink.
The initiative, spearheaded by FUNSports, aimed to strip away financial obstacles that keep many youngsters out of organized sport, offering everything from skates to coaching at no charge.
David Green, founder of FUNSports, said the goal was simple: give children the opportunity to try a new sport, feel the thrill of competition, and discover a pathway that might otherwise remain closed.
Winnell Jackson, a longtime volunteer with Hockey Nova Scotia and great‑niece of NHL trailblazer Willie O'Ree, took to the pavement to teach puck‑handling, stick safety and proper gear use, emphasizing the importance of confidence on the ice.
Seven‑year‑old Farrah Miah‑Falle, eyes bright with ambition, told organizers of her dream to one day skate in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, a vision that resonated with the event’s mentors.
The gathering paid homage to Bill Riley, the first African Nova Scotian to play in the NHL, whose own journey through racism was remembered as a catalyst for today’s mentorship programs.
Former NHL players, Olympians and national‑level athletes joined the day’s activities, lending their presence to raise awareness of FUNSports’ broader mission to foster inclusive sport across the region.