L'Île-Bizard-Sainte-Geneviève, in conjunction with Hockey Fennec Quebec and Monsef Derraji, the MNA for Nelligan, are excited to announce the staging of their first Diversity Hockey Tournament.
Four teams—Armenia HC, Atlas Stars HC, Fennecs HC, and Flying Cedars HC—will participate in this sporting program, which is themed "Hockey as a means of integration," to promote community, friendship, and coexistence.
Derraji believes that sport is still a powerful tool for advancing these ideals and enhancing social cohesiveness and respect. "My goal is to create an annual sporting event that will propel integration and reinforce the sense of belonging for Quebecers from diverse backgrounds through our most popular sport: hockey."
Entrance to this inaugural tournament is free and will occur on Saturday, September 16th, and Sunday, September 17th, at Île-Bizard's Saint-Raphaël Complex.
Lamine Foura, President of the non-profit Hockey Fennec Quebec Association, described his anticipation for the event and its meaning for the community: "I would like to thank Mr. Derraji for organizing this tournament, which aims to demonstrate that sports can be a powerful means of integration, capable of transcending beliefs, religions, and politics."
Alain Wilson, the interim mayor of L'Île-Bizard-Sainte-Geneviève, looks forward to hosting West Islanders who wish to participate: "I am pleased to join the 'First Diversity Hockey Tournament by the MNA of Nelligan, which will take place at the Saint-Raphaël Sports Complex. An excellent integration initiative while practicing our national sport. This tournament will surely become an annual tradition."
SOURCE: Office of Monsef Derraji, MNA for Nelligan and Leader of the Official Opposition
