Dear Brentwoodians,
Last Thursday, after my 5-year-old son’s Learn to Skate class at Brentwood Sportsplex, we sat in the stands to have a snack and watch the Zamboni as we usually do. As the bright red machine made its way around the rink, leaving the ice glistening smooth in its wake, we noticed the players from the U18 Northwest Warriors and their opponents lining up to take to the ice, so we decided to stay awhile and watch the start of the game. When the buzzer sounded to mark the end of the first period, we headed for home, as bedtime was rapidly approaching, and I realized that this was the first real live hockey game my son has ever watched. While the time will come for us to attend an NHL or WHL game together with a roaring crowd, it seemed fitting that we started at our local arena watching a group of talented and hardworking youth from our own neighbourhood.
My wife and I aren’t wild about the thought of all those early morning practices, late evenings, road trips, and expenses that families must invest in their children’s pursuit of their passion for hockey or other pursuits. But we do recognize the importance of fostering a love of physical activity in our son by having him try lots of different sports and encouraging him in the ones he enjoys. We hope that by doing so we will instill a lifelong desire to stay healthy and happy by keeping active and provide him the opportunity to make friends and learn key values of respect and sporting behaviour.
Calgary is a great place for people of all ages to stay active, with incredible winter sports opportunities, beautiful parks, and over 1,000 kilometres of multi-use pathways (the most of any city in North America). Brentwood is especially well-equipped, with the Sportsplex arena that is so well cared for by Steve Dietrich and local volunteers; the BCA outdoor rink; the pools; and acres of playing fields and playgrounds.
I can personally attest that you don’t have to be especially skilled, or commit lots of time and money, to get active in Brentwood and Calgary, and have fun at your own comfort level. Whether that is playing a sport you have loved since you were a kid or dipping a toe into a new activity. I am excited to teach my son to try new things, and the importance of having fun and trying his best (and also that it’s ok to quit something you don’t enjoy). And if he develops a passion and talent for playing hockey, you’ll see me at the arena bright and early with the other parents.
Photo Contest
The Bugle is looking for Brentwood’s best amateur photographers to provide cover images each month. If you have a great snap of our neighbourhood saved on your phone or posted on your social media feed, send it in for a chance to be featured on the cover of an upcoming issue! Photos must be 300 DPI or higher (i.e., from a newer model phone or good digital camera), 2400 x 1600 pixels minimum size, and portrait orientation. If submitting pictures of minors, please make sure that you have direct, express permission to submit the picture from a parent or guardian. Send your photos, or any questions, to [email protected].
Yours sincerely,
Jonathan Jucker, editor
Brentwood Bugle
