One of the community’s foundational bedrocks is at risk of crumbling apart.
In the absence of enough volunteers stepping up to fill all of the executive positions on the Sundre Minor Hockey Association’s board during the recent annual general meeting, the non-profit organization could end up dissolving.
“We’re lacking volunteers stepping up to board positions — basically all of the board positions — and without certain positions filled, you can’t have the association,” said Dallas Rosevear, a past president who has for the time being, been acting as an interim chair in the effort to ensure the organization’s future.
“If people don’t step up, then we will be looking at dissolving,” he said, adding, “That’s not a real great thing to do or have happen, especially considering how long we’ve had minor hockey in Sundre.”
Such a turn of events could arguably have a devastating domino effect, leading to the slow but steady demise of the Sundre Arena, which would in turn very likely mean the eventual end of local recreational hockey as well as the Sundre Skating Club.
That’s a situation we would really rather not end up seeing materialize into reality.
But the future is not yet set in stone.
A special meeting has been scheduled upstairs at the Sundre Arena’s clubhouse on Wednesday, May 22 starting at 6:30 p.m. in hopes of filling the board vacancies.
The community will have to make a concerted effort to lend support for local minor hockey if people want to continue to have an association for their children to play, and Rosevear is hopeful the course can yet be reversed.
“It’s looking promising that there will be people stepping up,” he said.
We share his optimism.
After all, the Sundre community has time and time again demonstrated a desire to band together during a time of need through any number of local initiatives almost always without fail.
Sometimes, all that’s needed to generate support for a cause is being faced with the prospect of losing something important.
We look forward to reporting on the upcoming special meeting. We are confident the Sundre Minor Hockey Association has a lengthy, active life ahead that offers local youth the opportunity to engage in the quintessential Canadian pastime while learning the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship.
— Ducatel is the Round Up’s editor
