Help Ontario Athletes Compete for National Titles

Hello, my name is Jason, and I am fundraising on behalf of the U-18 and U-16 Team Ontario Flag Football teams.

 

Twenty young athletes from across Ontario (the majority from Ottawa) have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent our province and compete against the best in Canada at the Eastern Regional and National Championships in Charlottetown this August.

 

After two-plus years of the pandemic, which was especially difficult on teenage girls, the simple act of having fun in a healthy way to train and play with friends is worth its weight in gold.

 

These athletes have pushed their limits for months to qualify. They have banded together and committed themselves to a common goal — and achieved it. Now they have two months to get ready for Nationals, with:

 

• twice weekly practice

• performance training

• training camp

 

Going to Nationals — PEI 2022

 

Both teams are looking for financial support to offset the cost of coaching, equipment, travel and accommodations.

 

We estimate that $1,300 per player would cover the costs, so a goal of $26,000 has been set.

 

Any amount raised above that goal will fund the teams next season and help build the program.

Funding Challenges

 

The teams face many of the same gender equity challenges in funding as athletes in more popular Canadian sports like hockey. However, these teams also compete for funding against soccer and tackle football programs of all ages for limited turf practice fields.

 

The pandemic has resulted in only one out of four committed athletes returning to their sport, which has led to a loss of revenue and cuts in funding for sports programs.

 

U-18 and U16 Program

 

Sport is a lot more than winning or losing. It’s about learning important life lessons.

 

The International Women’s Flag Football Association’s motto is “Run your own sport,” and the coaches and players of the Ontario Provincial teams have taken it to heart.

 

Jori Ritchie and Stephanie Thinn manage both teams and coach the U-18 girls. Both also coach for local club teams and are dedicated to building the infrastructure needed to make the sport accessible to younger girls. This is critically important as the sport is gaining popularity and will likely become an Olympic sport in 2028 in Los Angeles. Supporting today might mean funding future opportunities for the athletes and the program.

 

Single parent Michelle Knowles is the head coach for the U-16 team, working with assistants Antony Kolacek and Jake Kelly, who both share a commitment to women’s and girls’ athletics.

 

 

 

All are knowledgeable, skilled in coaching, and great role models for their players. And perhaps as importantly, they keep the girls’ focus on their healthy development as individuals and as team members.

 

Please consider funding these hard-working athletes if you are able. Thank you for you support.