The Siksika Nation has announced that they are going to be building a brand-new ice rinkthrough a partnership between Siksika Health Services and the Calgary Flames Foundation.
The rink is scheduled to be built in the spring and will open up in late 2021 early 2022; it will be the first and only ice rink in Siksika.
The Calgary Flames foundation mandate says that their goal is to improve the lives of southern Albertans through support of health and wellness, education and grassroots sports programs.
“Providing opportunities for communities and people to play is a priority for the Calgary Flames Foundation,” said Executive Director Candice Goudie. “We are thrilled to work with Siksika Nation on this project that will bring an outdoor rink and so much more to the community of Siksika.”
The rink is expected to serve a population of about 4,000 people and six schools.
“We have worked diligently to build relationships with organizations such as the Calgary Flames Foundation to create mutual beneficial collaborations,” said Chief Ouray Crowfoot of Siksika Nation.
“Siksika has many young athletes who love participating in sports but often don’t have the means or opportunities to do so. We look forward to developing more collaborative efforts on a go-forward basis and continuing our excellent working relationship.
“We have had this relationship with the Calgary Flames and the Calgary Hitmen for quite some time. The announcement of the outdoor rink is just one of the many collaborations that we are working towards to help us build a better, stronger, more holistic, health-sense community.”
“It is a place that all our community members can go to relieve stress, build teamwork and leadership skills. It is all those other aspects that help build an athlete’s life. It is all those things combined that we see is a huge benefit to the nation,” said Chief Crowfoot.
Jacob Cardinal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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