By Bruce Campbell
sports Editor
An Okotoks man who spends his free time helping kids play sports has been honoured as the RBC Okotoks Minor Hockey Volunteer of the Year.
Nick Ruigrok received the award during an Okotoks Junior A Oilers’ game in January for his work with the minor hockey association as well as for being chairman of KidSport Okotoks, which was launched in early November.
Jamie Steer, Okotoks Minor Hockey Association coordinator, said Ruigrok’s award is well deserved.
“He has been working with the Timbits program for the past three years — he is great with the kids,” Steer said, adding Ruigrok is also the director of minor hockey’s apparel, that is, getting team sweaters and other associated duties.
While Ruigrok was happy about receiving the award, he was downright thrilled that KidSport Okotoks will help seven young people play sports including gymnastics, lacrosse and school sports in the spring and summer months.
KidSport is an organization which will pay up to $250 per child for his or her registration into an organized sport, ranging from lacrosse to karate. The sport must be a recognized program or organization.
“We would like to have as many as 40 athletes this year get assistance through KidSport,” Ruigrok said.
Last year, there were 35 youths who received assistance from KidSport Okotoks, which at the time was an umbrella organization of KidSport Calgary.
Ruigrok knows the importance of sport in a young person’s life. With his father in the oil business, he moved quite often, but it didn’t matter where he was, sport and family support were always there.
“Very much so,” Ruigrok said when asked if sport was a big part of his life. “Even when we were living in Houston, I was still able to play hockey. My parents made it a priority.”
Ruigrok admits he was fortunate, adding that even in affluent Okotoks there are families who value sport, but have to make it a lower priority in order to make ends meet.
“They have to pay for their homes, pay the bills to keep the lights on at the home and they have to put the food on the table,” Ruigrok said. “Sports is still a priority, but they might have to make a choice between hockey or feeding the family.”
KidSport Okotoks is also collecting used sporting gear to supply youths.
The organization plans to participate in community events in the area to raise awareness and funds.
Presently, Inside Edge in Okotoks is donating 20 per cent of all its skate sharpening proceeds to KidSport Okotoks.
For information about KidSport Okotoks call 831-PLAY (831-7529).
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