Rangers Reach working in collaboration with the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club, is proud to announce the creation of the Kitchener Rangers Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC) Program.
Rangers Reach and the Rangers will continue to be leaders within the Canadian Hockey League by taking action in support of the BIPOC community and commit to the following:
- For the 2020/21 season and beyond, the entire organization (staff, players, billets, parents, executive and Rangers Reach board) will implement and participate in an anti-racism education program led by Rico Phillips, the Director of Cultural Diversity and Inclusion for the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
- In the 2021/22 season and beyond, in collaboration with Rangers Reach, no less than three BIPOC community members from the Region of Waterloo will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship to be used at a post-secondary institution of their choosing.
- For the 2021/22 season and beyond, in collaboration with Rangers Reach, no less than three BIPOC community members from the Region of Waterloo who have demonstrated financial need will receive up to $1,000 to be used towards their minor hockey base registration fees and equipment needs.
Joe Birch, the Chief Operating Officer & Governor of the Kitchener Rangers, explained how the actionable items are a tangible example of the organization’s ongoing support for the BIPOC community.
“We recognize the platform our organization has in allowing us to be agents of change. This program is a commitment to educating ourselves, creating awareness for others, and supporting the BIPOC community,” Birch said.
“Rangers Reach is committed to engaging in and supporting this initiative. We want to learn and understand the unique needs and complexities in our diverse community while building supports around this new knowledge,” commented Craig Campbell, Executive Director for Rangers Reach.
Rico Phillips, the Director of Cultural Diversity and Inclusion for the OHL, conveyed his optimism for the positive results that are destined to come.
“The BIPOC Program introduced by the Kitchener Rangers and Rangers Reach is an excellent example of what action looks like, with regards to enhancing diversity and inclusion in the sport of hockey and the community,” Phillips said.
“Providing financial support for the advancement of BIPOC hockey players in the Region of Waterloo is also tremendous.”
MEDIA CONTACT
Alex Witherspoon
Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club
AWitherspoon@kitchenerrangers.com
(519) 741-4854