Smithers, BC.- Vancouver Canucks’ Defenseman, Dan Hamhuis is teaming up with Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson to bring a new contest to teens in that constituency.

 

'Don't Let Gangs Score' is an essay contest for youth 13-18 to write about how sports have helped them connect to their community to counteract the attraction of gangs.

 

“We've all heard reports from the RCMP of how gangs are trying to get a foothold in the Bulkley Valley, so my staff and I developed a contest that would engage young people in talking about the issue throughout Stikine,” says Donaldson. “Then we partnered with the Smithers Community Police to bring this idea to the classrooms and community. Dan Hamhuis was also keen to help and he donated two tickets to a Canucks game for the contest winner.”

 

Hawkair has provided the return airfare for two, Donaldson’s MLA office is paying for a night's accommodation and the Gitxsan Chiefs’ Office donated towards the winner’s expenses while in Vancouver.

 

“It’s a great example of true community partnerships,” says the Stikine MLA. “We know from the RCMP and other experts that gang activity is no longer just an inner city problem. Gangs offer a sense of belonging and power to a segment of our youth who are vulnerable to that kind of message. One way to undermine that is for young people to get involved in something bigger than themselves and activity in community sports is a great example.”

 

Donaldson says plans are underway to run a similar contest in the fall for teens involved in the arts as another way young people connect to something in their communities.

 

For more details on the 'Don’t Let Gangs Score' contest, contact the Stikine MLA offices.

 

Entries must be received by noon on March 23.