THE HAMILTON TIGER-CATS ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF THE PLAY IT FORWARD PROGRAM, PRESENTED BY LIUNA. NOW IN ITS THIRD YEAR, PLAY IT FORWARD CONTINUES TO INSPIRE AND EMPOWER INDIGENOUS YOUTH FROM SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER, MISSISSAUGAS OF THE CREDIT FIRST NATION, AND THE LOCAL HAMILTON COMMUNITY.
Program Overview
Play It Forward is a community initiative designed to provide indigenous youth with unique experiences and opportunities through interaction with Tiger-Cats players, Dance and Cheer Members, and other engaging activities.
Play It Forward Day
One of the program’s highlights is Play It Forward Day, which will take place on Tuesday, July 23rd, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at our Stadium in Hamilton. During this special event, 150 youth will be invited to join Tiger-Cats players for an evening filled with fun games and activities on the field. Transportation to and from the stadium will be provided, and each participant will receive a Play It Forward t-shirt.
Community Impact
Last year, Play It Forward significantly impacted the lives of many young participants. Lindsay Doolittle from Six Nations Social Services noted, “We saw the youth thrive within that short period of learning new skills and team bonding. Children who were initially shy made new friends by the end of the evening. This program lets them see what’s out there and know we’re here to help them.”
Commitment to Youth Empowerment
Courtney Stephen, Director of Community Partnerships at Hamilton Sports Group, expressed the organization’s dedication to the initiative: “Play It Forward has become an outstanding program, and we’re thrilled to be able to give back to the Indigenous community in the Hamilton area. It’s amazing to see how much our players want to be involved in this initiative, and we’re thankful to them and to LiUNA for making it all possible.”