A ball hockey tournament is coming to Canatara Park in July in support of of mental health initiatives in Sarnia-Lambton.
The inaugural Stephanie Shaw Memorial Ball Hockey Tournament is set for July 15th in the middle parking lot by the beach.
The coed tournament will feature two age groups, one for kids between the ages of 13 and 17, the other for those who are 18 years or older.
Matt Cook, one of the event's organizers, says they are looking to raise money for mental health initiates in the community.
"The tournament is named in Stephanie's honour, who lost her battle with mental illness last summer. She was a very well known and well liked around the community," says Cook. "We decided we needed to keep the conversation going so we wanted to do this in her honour. Hopefully we get a good turn out and can raise some money to help other people in the community."
It's the first year for the event, but with the need for support in the community he's hoping this can become a yearly fundraiser.
"We'd love to make this an annual thing, the more awareness and the more we talk about it we can help make things better, especially for our youth in town who have suffered from a lot of loss the last few years," says Cook.
Cost is $160 per team, with each team playing at least three games. Players in the 18 and older group will need a stick, gloves, and running shoes. The younger age group will be required to wear helmets. Each team in the four-on-four tournament will require at least two girls, with one girl needs to be on the floor at all times.
The winning team from both divisions will get free entry into the Captain Kidd Days "Stand Up" three-on-three tournament in August.
Even if you're not signed up for the tournament, Cook is encouraging local residents to come by at some point throughout the weekend. St. Clair Child and Youth, along with other local organizations, will be on hand with information and to answer questions.
You can register at the event's facebook page, or by emailing ssmemorialballhockeytournament@gmail.com.
