The Windsor Sports Scene by
In Play Magazine
(Windsor, Ontario, Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011) – The ASSIST group, a local charity which helps children from financially vulnerable families register to play in organized minor sports associations, will implement a new format for its most important annual fundraiser.
“24 Hours of Hockey” will be held on March 12, 2011 at South Windsor Arena. The format is simple: teams that register play in one-hour-long three-on-three games and a continuous tally is kept for each side.
In previous years, the game was played over a continuous 24-hour period. For this year’s event, however, the ASSIST group has secured both ice surfaces at the rink and the games will be played on each pad over a 12-hour period.
“We believe this is a much better system because it eliminates the need to have teams playing during the wee hours of the morning,” said Mike Dugal, Chair of the ASSIST Board. “Those were usually difficult time slots to fill, so we’re hoping this new format will help increase the number of teams that participate, which will allow us to help more families.”
The game is open to all players regardless of ability, skill level or affiliation. Each player is required to submit a minimum pledge of $20 and prizes are awarded for top pledge collectors. Previous events have usually generated an average of about $10,000 in revenue.
Since its inception, ASSIST has raised more than $56,000 and helped nearly 100 families. Last year, the organization was helped by generous donations from Hockey Canada and CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada Help Fund.
For more information on the game and how to register, visit the ASSIST web site at
http://www.assistgroup.ca/
