Media.Knet.Ca

On Friday, March 11, Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy,together with Muskrat Dam First Nation Chief Frank Beardy, and Fort William First Nation North Stars team president Gerald Bannon, launched the Daniel Beardy Memorial Hockey Fund today at a news conference at Bannon's Gas Bar in Thunder Bay.On the occasion of the late Daniel Beardy's birthday, NAN Grand Chief together with Muskrat Dam First Nation Chief and Fort William First Nation North Stars team president Gerald Bannon, launched an annual Memorial Hockey Fund that will  promote the success of other young hockey stars.NEWS RELEASEFriday March 11, 2005THUNDER BAY Friday March 11, 2005: Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy, together with Muskrat Dam First Nation Chief Frank Beardy, and Fort William First Nation North Stars team president Gerald Bannon, launched the Daniel Beardy Memorial Hockey Fund today at a news conference at Bannon's Gas Bar in Thunder Bay."It's our goal the memorial hockey fund will build the confidence in both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth that with determination and the proper support their goals are unlimited," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy."Not only will the fund promote the success of young hockey stars, but it will celebrate Daniel's life and the positive values he stood for." Daniel Beardy, who passed away August 1st 2004, played goalie for Fort William First Nation North Stars a local Junior 'A' Hockey team that won the 2003-2004 Superior International Junior Hockey League Championship. Beardy, who had been playing hockey since he was five years of age, was voted the top goaltender of the league for the same season. He had a "goals against" average of 2.06 in the regular season which ranked him second among all goalies in the Canadian Junior 'A' Hockey League. He lost only one game in the 21 he played. The annual award will be granted to an Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal hockey player between the ranks of 'AA' and Junior or an active player in a remote location. All applicants must be residents of Ontario and full-time students. A selection committee will select the applicant who best demonstrates his or her commitment to their hockey practice and game requirements, community involvement, and their ability to act as a role model to other youth on and off the ice.Contributions to the Daniel Beardy Memorial Hockey Fund include tax deductible donations, hosting fundraising events, and corporate sponsorship. Funds raised are for the administration of the Memorial Fund only. The Memorial Fund is strictly volunteer and no financial remuneration is involved."We wish to encourage all businesses and individuals to contribute to the Daniel Beardy Memorial Hockey Fund so that Daniel will continue to be a role model and positive influence for youth," said Muskrat Dam First Nation Chief Frank Beardy.Initial contributions have been made to the Fund by Wasaya Airways, Muskrat Dam First Nation, Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund, Independent First Nations Alliance, Springhill Lumber Wholesale Ltd., and Northern American Charters.***For more information please contact:Jenna YoungCommunications OfficerNishnawbe Aski Nation(807) 625 4952Daniel Beardy Memorial Hockey FundP.O. Box 27134Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5Y7Email: hockeyfund@nationbase.ca