477 9 46% 114

LACROSSE FOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM REPORT 2013
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
This summer, the Lacrosse For Development program achieved tremendous
success. With generous support from Arrow Express Sports, the program
increased its participant reach by more than 27%. Additionally, 7 new PLAY
partner communities and organizations participated in the program, including 2
new communities in Manitoba.
The increased enthusiasm and support from the National Lacrosse League and
its players remains an important factor contributing to the success of this
program. In addition, the Lacrosse For Development program expanded its
program partners to include the Iroquois Lacrosse Program, who delivered
interactive discussions and activities on the roots of the game from the
perspective of the Haudenosaunee people.
This summer also marked an extension of the partnership between PLAY’s
Lacrosse For Development program and the Ontario Ministry of Children and
Youth Services. Working in youth correctional facilities, this program uses
lacrosse to encourage youth to set goals and develop leadership skills.
The following report captures the incredible stories of impact that were created
by the children, youth, NLL players, external and community partners and Right
To Play staff throughout this year’s Lacrosse For Development program.
OVERVIEW
NLL PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
PROGRAM IMPACT
CLINIC OVERVIEWS
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
THANK YOU
WEBSITE
TWITTER
FACEBOOK
PROGRAM REACH:
477 114 46% 9
Children and youth
participated in Lacrosse
For Development program
in 2013
Community members
supported the program as
chaperones, volunteers,
and cooks
Of all participating
children and youth were
female
NLL players supported
the Lacrosse For
Development program in
2013
NLL PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Thank you to the following NLL players for all of your time, energy, and efforts at the
2013 Lacrosse For Development program! Your support has helped to inspire First
Nation children and youth to continue playing lacrosse!
Chris McElroy,
Washington Stealth
Dan Dawson,
Rochester Knighthawks
Chet Koneczny,
Colorado Mammoth
Andrew McBride,
Calgary Roughnecks
Luke Wiles,
Philadelphia Wings
Tyler Burton,
Rochester Knighthawks
Paul Dawson,
Rochester Knighthawks
Tye Belanger,
Colorado Mammoth
Creighton Reid,
Colorado Mammoth
PROGRAM IMPACT
Through a combination of lacrosse and leadership activities, sport and play were used
to foster positive youth development and strengthen community relationships. Based
on 218 completed end-of-clinic surveys, the impact was as follows:
 Participants noted that they gained confidence and positive self-image in areas
such as; “willingness to try a new sport, lead a group, feel like a team member, share
ideas, and get to know new people.”


88% of surveyed participants acknowledged that they had fun.
Participants noted that they felt the program provided a positive learning environment and enjoyed the program because “they enjoyed meeting other people, making new friends and interacting with youth from other communities.”



79% of surveyed participants noted that they learned something new at the
program.
Youth found they both developed new and enhanced existing lacrosse-specific
skills in areas such as cradling, scooping, shooting, and game play.
85% of participants indicated that they would like to be a part of the program
again while community chaperones indicated that youth would like to continue
playing lacrosse because “the sport is something we may be able to apply locally, in
our community.”
“[The program] teaches the kids the game well enough so that that they
can show others.”
- Community Member
AAMJIWNAANG FIRST NATION
This summer, Community Mentor Tony Jacobs hosted the Lacrosse For
Development in Aamjiwnaang First Nation. The following story was written by
Tony about the community’s experience during the program and the impact the
program has had on his community.
This summer Aamjiwnaang hosted the Lacrosse For Development. The event
was a huge success bringing in youth from two neighbouring First Nations,
totalling over a 100 participants. We can now say this program was one of our
greatest highlights of the year for our community.
Upon receiving word we had been honoured to host the camp, I was a little
nervous but very excited at the same time. With the amount of support from
Right To Play it made the planning run smoothly and eased my nervous tension.
I learned a lot during the whole experience in running such a great lacrosse
camp and I am confident in running the next big event that comes our way.
Not only did this camp have a positive effect on me, but also for the youth from
our community who participated. Knowing that they can plan and carry out a
successful event has brought the group confidence. Now, when working on
future planning our group saying is, “Teamwork makes the Dream Work”.
“[The program] builds self
esteem, confidence, and
teamwork.”
- Youth Participant
CLINIC OVERVIEWS
FISHER RIVER CREE NATION, MB
May 24-26, 2013
Program Highlights:

Involvement and encouragement for program
from Chief and Council and community
members/ volunteers.

Rapid skill development and enthusiasm for a
new sport by the participants

Ratio of staff/lacrosse players to participants
ensured each participant got one on one
interaction with the professionals
Youth Participation
GE-DA-GI-BINEZ YOUTH CENTRE,
June 10-14, 2013
37
49
Total female
participants
Total male
participants
Total
participants
Program Highlights

Leadership sessions were a huge success, with
full engagement and participation from all
youth. Youth set goals for themselves, a few of
which are highlighted below:
 Be the youngest chief ever
 Travel around the world
 Finish high school/college
 Go to medical school

Lasting Impact on the NLL players and Right To
Play staff; one NLL player noted “this has been
the most powerful experience of my life.”

Cultural teachings from former NLL player and
current PhD candidate, Allan Downey; Allan has
recently finished his dissertation on the History
of Lacrosse
Youth Participation
NOTE: there were
only 12 total youth at
the facility during
program delivery
SAUGEEN FIRST NATION & CHIPPEWAS
OF NAWASH, ON: July 12-14, 2013
12
Program Highlights:

Youth Participation
Team effort and collaboration amongst neighbouring communities and programs (i.e. Community
Activator program)

NLL players engaged youth of all ages/skill levels
while maintaining an inclusive environment

Program sparked a future interest in the sport; both
communities organized a game to mark their
participation in the 2013 Global Peace Day Games
38
27
65
Total female
participants
Total male
participants
Total
participants
CLINIC OVERVIEWS
AAMJIWNAANG FIRST NATION, ON
July 26-28, 2013
Youth Participation
SAGAMOK ANISHNAWBEK, ON
August 9-11, 2013
Program Highlights

Participation from multiple PLAY
communities and Urban partners

Varied roles of support from community
volunteers and neighbouring chaperones

Opportunities for older youth to interact with the
younger groups and showcase their leadership
towards younger groups
41
42
83
Total female
participants
Total male
participants
Total
participants
Program Highlights

Expertise and knowledge of the Iroquois Lacrosse
Program (ILP) was the highlight at this clinic. ILP
effectively captivated the youth with their activities
and knowledge of the history of lacrosse. Many of
the youth indicated this station as their favorite
part of the clinic.

“Meeting new friends” as indicated by the youth
because of the attendance from five neighbouring
PLAY partner communities
Youth Participation
PINE CREEK FIRST NATION, MB
September 10-12, 2013
partner
39
42
87
Total female
participants
Total male
participants
Total
participants
Program Highlights

In-school delivery of the program was a success;
the program reached the entire student body in
both the elementary and high schools

School assemblies (2) allowed all the students to
gather together and learn as a group

Strong focus on the culture of the game and
integration of many historical teachings sparked a
greater interest in future involvement
Youth Participation
88
96
184
Total female
participants
Total male
participants
Total
participants
HIGHLIGHTS AND WORDS OF SUCCESS
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE LACROSSE FOR DEVELOPMENT CLINICS
“This program made me feel more confident when I’m playing sports because I learned to just have fun.”
- Youth Participant, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
“This clinic teaches respect and to enjoy cultural games.”
- Community Member, Pine Creek First Nation
“[The clinic] provided an opportunity for our youth to learn a traditional sport.”
- Youth Leader/ Volunteer, Sagamok Anishnawbek
“It made me stronger than ever before and it made me feel to never give up.”
- Youth Participant, Sagamok Anishnawbek
“It increased my confidence as a leader by making me be able to cheer on my team and not get frustrated.”
- Youth Participant, Aamjiwnaang First Nation
“This clinic was an extremely positive experience for First Nation youth. This is one of the very best clinics for
youth that I have witnessed in 30 years of being an educator.”
- Community Member, Pine Creek First Nation
“I’ve learnt a lot and would be able to implement some skills in [my community’s] After School Program.”
- Visiting Community Chaperone, Sheshegwanning First Nation
THANK YOU
Thank you to our dedicated donors and partners
National Lacrosse League
Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation
Iroquois Lacrosse Program
Washington Stealth
Professional Lacrosse Players Association
Calgary Roughnecks
Arrow Express Sports
Colorado Mammoth
Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services
Buffalo Bandits
Manitoba Ministry of Children and Youth Opportunities
Rochester Knighthawks
Thank you to our community partners
Fisher River Cree Nation
Chippewas of Nawash First Nation
Saugeen First Nation
Aamjiwnaang First Nation
Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point
Sarnia Lambton Friendship Centre
Oneida Nation of the Thames
Sagamok Anishnawbek
Whitefish River First Nation
Sheshegwaning First Nation
Aundeck-Omni Kaning First Nation
Mississauga #8 First Nation
Pine Creek First Nation