Gabriel Davidson Adams, an NCAA Division I hockey player for the Harvard Crimson, recently returned from a pivotal experience in Tigman Village in the Philippines as part of the Sticks Together program. Gabriel, who is in his fourth year of pursuing a sociology degree at Harvard, has a deep passion for human rights and social equality, which motivated him to get involved in this initiative.
“Hockey has had a huge impact on my life, making lifelong friends, opening doors to new opportunities, and cultivating invaluable qualities like teamwork and perseverance,” says Gabriel. “However, I recognize that hockey has historically been an expensive sport and is out of reach for many, especially today. This inspired me to get involved with Sticks Together to bring the joy of hockey to an international community of kids, free of charge, and give them the same opportunities that hockey has given me.”
Founded by Syracuse University's Sarah Thompson, the Sticks Together program aims to provide hockey equipment and training to children in underserved communities. After success in Argentina and South Africa, the program has expanded to the Philippines, introducing hockey to kids who have never been exposed to the game before.
“The Tigman Village kids and community responded with enthusiasm and joy to learning to play hockey for the first time,” Gabriel says. “Hockey was a foreign concept to them just three weeks prior, and by the end several kids said it had become their new favorite sport. The older kids wanted to join in the fun too, and we even had a match between the volunteers and Tigman Village. We receive daily updates and videos from the program coordinators, and we can see the kids playing and improving even after we leave. It's an amazing sight.”
Gabrielle's hockey journey began with playing for the Typhoons in the Cornwall Women's Hockey Association. She continued to play with great enthusiasm and progressed to the Ontario Hockey Academy and then to Harvard University. Her experience with the Sticks Together program allowed her to share her love of hockey internationally.
“If you're even remotely interested in volunteering to teach sport abroad, go for it,” advises Gabriel. “It has been one of the most rewarding and unforgettable experiences of my life. Not only did I share my love of sport, I felt enriched by the connections I made and returned a completely different person. I now have lifelong friends all over the world. The impact you can make in a community and the personal growth you experience are invaluable.”
Gabrielle Davidson Adams, who has been selected as a National Scholar for the second consecutive year, will continue her role as a Cornwall Ambassador for her second year. This summer, Adams will conduct research for a team of Harvard professors before returning to Harvard for her senior year.
