Indigenous Hockey Coaches Invited to Apply for Hydro One and CAO's Empowering Grant

Today, Hydro One Inc. (Hydro One) and the Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO) have announced the opening of applications for their Indigenous Hockey Coaching Grant for 2024.

Originally launched in 2023, the grant aims to enhance Indigenous representation in sports leadership by fostering accessibility to hockey for coaches from Indigenous communities, offering up to $1,500 in funding for expenses such as equipment, travel, and training.

In its inaugural year, the grant supported 38 recipients from over 25 Indigenous communities across Ontario.

The funding was utilized for hockey essentials, including practice time at local rinks, various equipment, and registration fees.

"Thanks to this funding from Hydro One and CAO, I've been able to take necessary training to help coach alongside my community members and be a bench support staff in the Little NHL tournament this year," shared Darryl Williams-Jones, a 2023 grant recipient and coach of the U7 Garden River First Nation team. "We purchased some equipment so our coaches could take to the ice and help guide our athletes one on one. It also helped to offset some on-ice time so our team can skate together and build relationships with each other."

"With the success of last year's inaugural grant, I'm excited to see that the CAO and Hydro One are teaming up again to invest in young Indigenous athletes and continue to raise awareness about the power of sport," remarked Chico Ralf, President of the Little Native Hockey League. "Increasing Indigenous representation encourages our youth to become part of a team, which in turn has a positive impact on their community as a whole."

"Coaches are important role models for athletes and communities, inspiring youth to participate and do their best," stated Penny Favel, Vice President of Indigenous Relations at Hydro One.

"This grant will help more Indigenous coaches share the power of sport with their teams and communities. We're very proud to help make hockey more inclusive, safe, and accessible so more Canadians can enjoy the sport."

"Every day, we support coaches across Ontario in creating safe and positive experiences for all athletes," said Jeremy Cross, Executive Director of the Coaches Association of Ontario.

"Knowing the challenges some communities are up against when it comes to sports, we are thrilled to once again partner with Hydro One for this grant that will continue to support Indigenous coaches."

This announcement coincides with the Little Native Hockey League (Little NHL) tournament, which is being held over a week and involves a record-breaking 4,000 Indigenous athletes and their coaches.

Hydro One is a proud presenting sponsor of the tournament and was recently inducted into the LNHL Hall of Fame as a "Friend of the Little NHL," honoring a partnership that began in 2003.

Through its Community Investment program, Hydro One focuses on building safe communities in Ontario and directs at least 20 percent of its corporate donations and sponsorships to Indigenous communities and initiatives benefiting them.

The company also supports programs, events, and initiatives focusing on safety training and safe play, with partners including The ACT Foundation and the Coaches Association of Ontario.