Little Brothers experience Big League Fun Thanks to Winnipeg Sea Bears
For a group of children from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Plains, last Friday night was one they won't soon forget, thanks to an exciting evening court-side at the Winnipeg Sea Bears season opener.
The outing was organized by the local agency's mentoring coordinator, Laura, who reached out to the Sea Bears basketball team to request tickets. The organization, a part of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) responded generously, offering free admission for several children and accompanying staff.
'It was mainly kids from our waiting list — kids who are still waiting to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister,' said Dawn Froese, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Plains. 'We want to give them opportunities to experience new things while they wait, and this was a perfect chance.'
About six youth attended the game, most of whom had never been to a live sporting event.
'Just going to the city was exciting for some of them,' Froese said. 'Going and watching a game and everything that's happening, they were really excited and really enjoyed the game.'
The Sea Bears, who were facing off against the Edmonton Stingers, clinched a narrow victory by just three points with a score of 92-89.
'We were all on the edge of our seats until the last moment,' Froese recalled.
One of the youngest attendees, Little Brother Colton, gave the evening a perfect score. 'On a scale of 1 to 10, he said it was an 11,' said Froese. She notes it was the first time he'd been to a sporting event.
Froese explained that being on the Big Brothers Big Sisters waiting list means children have already gone through the agency's intake process and are actively engaged with staff. While they await a match with a volunteer mentor, they're invited to take part in activities that encourage learning, personal growth, and simply having fun.
Finding a suitable match, especially for boys, can sometimes take years, as the agency aims to pair children and volunteers based on shared interests and compatible personalities. Froese said the organization did take kids to a Sea Bears game previously about two years ago.
For now, outings like the Sea Bears game help keep children engaged and feeling supported while they wait for that one-on-one mentorship to begin, Froese said.
'We try and find other activities that they could be involved with that would help their growth or that might just expand possibilities, something they've never seen or tried before.'
To find out more, or how to become involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, check out their website:
https://centralplains.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/
— Renée Lilley is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Portage Graphic. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
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For a group of children from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Plains, last Friday night was one they won't soon forget, thanks to an exciting evening court-side at the Winnipeg Sea Bears season opener. The outing was organized by the local agency's mentoring coordinator, Laura, who reached out to the Sea Bears basketball team to request tickets. The organization, a part of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) responded generously, offering free admission for several children and accompanying staff. 'It was mainly kids from our waiting list — kids who are still waiting to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister,' said Dawn Froese, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Plains. 'We want to give them opportunities to experience new things while they wait, and this was a perfect chance.' About six youth attended the game, most of whom had never been to a live sporting event. 'Just going to the city was exciting for some of them,' Froese said. 'Going and watching a game and everything that's happening, they were really excited and really enjoyed the game.' The Sea Bears, who were facing off against the Edmonton Stingers, clinched a narrow victory by just three points with a score of 92-89. 'We were all on the edge of our seats until the last moment,' Froese recalled. One of the youngest attendees, Little Brother Colton, gave the evening a perfect score. 'On a scale of 1 to 10, he said it was an 11,' said Froese. She notes it was the first time he'd been to a sporting event. Froese explained that being on the Big Brothers Big Sisters waiting list means children have already gone through the agency's intake process and are actively engaged with staff. While they await a match with a volunteer mentor, they're invited to take part in activities that encourage learning, personal growth, and simply having fun. Finding a suitable match, especially for boys, can sometimes take years, as the agency aims to pair children and volunteers based on shared interests and compatible personalities. Froese said the organization did take kids to a Sea Bears game previously about two years ago. For now, outings like the Sea Bears game help keep children engaged and feeling supported while they wait for that one-on-one mentorship to begin, Froese said. 'We try and find other activities that they could be involved with that would help their growth or that might just expand possibilities, something they've never seen or tried before.' To find out more, or how to become involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, check out their website: — Renée Lilley is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Portage Graphic. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
