Celebrating Children’s Day

On the weekend I had the privilege of watching my daughter, Amelia, participate in a volleyball tournament at Nelson Heights Middle School.  I remember when she came home and was so excited that she made the “Coyotes” volleyball team at École Holy Cross Elementary School.  She loves sports and as an added bonus she gets to play with her friends and her cousin Becca, who made the team too.

This isn’t a sport that you can shine in unless you work together as cohesive group towards one goal.  That doesn’t always mean that you win, but pride comes with working as hard as you can knowing that it was your best.

The first game the Coyotes trailed behind the Nelson Heights “Knights” and instead of giving up they rallied and won their first game.  Both teams played well and both brought pride to our constituency.  I sat watching with delight, as any parent would, my daughter working with her other team mates to score points and win the game.

Amelia played hard for her team.  All the Coyotes played hard for their school.

A special thanks goes out to our team’s coaches Sarah Bergeron and Kahla Guilbault for all the time they have put into the team to make it what it was.   Like all schools in the Bonnyville – Cold Lake constituency this team’s existence isn’t luck or an accident.  My daughter was able to be part of something bigger because of the hard work done by many.  We need to send out our gratitude to those people who are giving our children the chance to compete in sports and other activities; the school board trustees, principals, teachers, staff, coaches, parents and relatives to name a few.

They are the true role models for our children.

It is those who volunteer for our children that make our community what it is.  They do it for no recognition and that is admirable.  For myself I look to how I grew up and without these men and women stepping up to pass their wisdom onto me I could reasonably ask myself, without them would I be where I am today?

On November 20^th Children’s Day was celebrated.  By ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991, Canada made a commitment to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect. This commitment includes the opportunity for children to have a voice, be protected from harm and be provided with their basic needs and every opportunity to reach their full potential.

Celebrating National Child Day is about empowering children as active participants in their own lives and in communities, as active citizens who can and should meaningfully contribute to decision-making.  Let’s remember all the children in Alberta every day for the wonder and joy they bring to our lives.  They are our bright future.