Last weekend, hundreds of athletes with developmental disabilities gathered at the Rochester Friendship Festival at the Tim Hortons Iceplex in Brighton for an inclusive hockey event.
Featuring more than 325 players from 16 teams across the United States and Canada, the festival featured members of the U.S. Special Hockey Association showcasing their skill, determination and camaraderie.
The event, hosted by the Rochester Ice Cats, a local team and association member, emphasized the importance of sports as a platform for teaching valuable life skills.
Stephanie Ballard Foster
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WXXI News
Rochester Special Hockey Coach Tom Simmons reflected on the organization's impact and the event's broader purpose.
“Hockey is a game used to teach individuals how to take responsibility and how to work in a team.” [and] “How to socialize, that's a subject that's sorely lacking today,” Simmons said.
Stephanie Ballard Foster
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WXXI News
The festival agenda is filled with activities aimed at fostering community and personal growth, including the “Future Stars Program,” “3-on-3 Seniors Competition,” and the Basket Raffle, which enhances the experience for participants. Made it even richer.
Amid the goals and cheers, the festival also focused on forming lasting bonds between athletes. Randall Trahan, Icecats board member, spoke about the essence of the festival's mission.
“So we tried to be an inclusive organization as it is and bring in teams with similar interests,” Trahan said. “All these players are good friends. To see our players meet with players from other teams that they only see once or twice a year and see friendships rekindled and renewed. That’s great.”
To add to the festive atmosphere, a dance party was held with athletes encouraged to wear Disney-themed costumes, demonstrating the festival's commitment to joy and inclusivity beyond the rink.
The Rochester Friendship Festival not only highlighted the athleticism of its participants, but also celebrated the spirit of inclusivity, community, and personal growth.
This story is reported by WXXI's Inclusion Desk.
