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‘Play-it-Forward’ initiative continues to grow in second year

Large black scoreboard with red lettering at the top of it with. A design of stick people can be seen in the center of the scoreboard.
Six Nations and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation youth band members will have the chance to spend the evening with Hamilton Tiger-Cat players as part of the "Play-it-Forward" program which was developed to inspire and empower indigenous youth. Photo courtesy of Six Nations Child and Family Services.
Andrew Dow - CJKS - Ohsweken • ON | 14-07-2023
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The "Play-it-Forward" program is continuing to grow in its second year running in the community.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats say Play-it-Forward was first launched last year with their former quarterback Dane Evans to "inspire and empower Indigenous youth."

"Play It Forward Day is a special event where the Tiger-Cats invite 100 youth to Tim Hortons Field for an evening of fun games and activities on the field with other Tiger-cats players," the Tiger-Cats website states.

Lindsay Doolittle from Six Nations Child and Family Services confirmed that last year, the group was able to send approximately 100 local youth to connect with the Tiger-Cat players. This year, with more time and a little more promotion, they hope to exceed those numbers and continue to grow the initiative.

Doolittle said the program has been able to provide the youth with new skills that allows them to experience personal growth even within one evening.

"I feel the opportunity for them to go outside of the community, to go onto this stadium where actual football players play is extraordinary," she says. "We just want to show them what's out there and what capabilities they might have and to give them the time to just be a kid and maybe release any worries for that short time being."

"Last year, we [saw] them thrive even within that short time span of learning new skills, learning team building and team bonding. We [saw] children who were a bit shy arriving, make new friends by the end of the evening," she adds. "I think that's really what it's all about is just giving them the opportunity, show them what's out there and say we're here to help you."

Community members aged 10-18 from both Six Nations and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation are invited to take part in the program that will take place Monday July 17 from 5-8 p.m. at Tim Horton's Field in Hamilton. The youth will be able to participate in a variety of activities with the Tiger-cat players.

For anyone interested in the program you can call or text Six Nations Child and Family Services at 519-770-5465 for more information on how to register.

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