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Kelowna residents, Danielle Grundy and Sasha Podolchak grew up both being big fans of hockey. From Podolchak only wishing she could play as a youngster, while Grundy was able to use hockey as a life stepping stone. Grundy and Podolchak connected later on in life to combine their love for the sport of hockey.
The two women started the Grindstone Award Foundation. A foundation that enables young female hockey players to participate and improve their skill development. This local, Kelowna foundation provides female athletes the opportunity to participate in hockey by offering financial assistance.
For those players, like Podolchak, who wish they could play, but are restricted due to specific circumstances or finances, the Grindstone Award Foundation provides grants for players under the age of nineteen who wish to pursue their goals in athletics.
As any family that is involved in sports, they are aware of the financial needs each season requires. Opportunities for females in the hockey world, differ immensely compared to men in the sport. With less opportunities to have financial support, the Grindstone Award Foundation helps girls achieve their dreams and their goals by giving them the tools they need to play the sport they are passionate about.
“We provide financial support and equipment to female hockey players in need.” Said Grundy when asked about her involvement with the athletes. “We are also here to support both the parents and players. Most importantly, we hope to empower young female athletes to become positive, inspiring role models.”
The grant is based off of financial need and desire for the sport, and is accessible to players of all skill abilities. This Grindstone Award Foundation is a one-of-a-kind grant, being one of the only grants in Canada that provides funding for female athletes playing hockey.
“It’s a grassroots foundation that is just establishing itself. Every year we hope to double our funds raised and increase the financial aid to help more players.” Grundy added. “Our foundation really needs the support of the community behind it and have partners to team up with us.”
Sportsnet, a Canadian sports television network, recognized the work that Grundy had been putting into this foundation and contacted her to learn a bit more about it.
“I will always remember opening that email. It's one of the emails you ask yourself "is this really for me?" You keep reading and yes, in fact it is. And then, it all sets in. They were looking for individuals who have been shaped by hockey and have made positive contributions to their communities!” Grundy attested.
Sportsnet is travelling to Kelowna to film a special feature on Grundy and two of the athletes the foundation is supporting this year.
When asked what the feature meant to her, Grundy responded, “I feel very humbled and honored that I was contacted by Sportsnet. I have worked hard for the last 23 years and my passion for hockey is the fire that keeps me going. It all became real after I received my Sportsnet schedule of events - I remember thinking, “this is happening.” It forced me to reflect about how it has led me to this place. You just live life and do things that make you feel good, then you realize that it has made an impact and perhaps even changed someone’s life. It's pretty special and a little overwhelming.”
The feature looks to spread the news about the foundation and to encourage women supporting women, not only in the hockey world, but in athletics.
“This feature is a wonderful gift as it will definitely increase our exposure across Canada and will bring more opportunity for people to learn what the Grindstone Award Foundation is all about.” Grundy stated. “I am sure there will be others that can relate with our objectives and I am hoping this will result in more support for this initiative to help get more girls on the ice. We believe every girl should have the opportunity to play hockey if they want.”
Not only is the Grindstone Award Foundation getting its well deserved recognition on Sportsnet, it is also locally getting involved by putting on a female hockey jamboree this March 24-26 here in Kelowna. The Captial News Centre will play host to the B.C. Hockey Jamboree that is looking to see around 100 female athletes in attendance.
“We are also finalizing details on our 1st Annual Grindstone Charity Tournament and Girls Rock the Rink weekend which is tentatively scheduled for the weekend of July 22, 2017.” Added Grundy.
When asked, “what does the future of the Grindstone Award Foundation hold?”, Grundy replied, “I hope to see this foundation grow to a national scale so that we can provide support for female hockey players across the country. Furthermore, that the Grindstone Award Foundation will be the solution behind many girls pursuing their dreams in a sport they love.”
If you want to impact a girl’s life and help them get on the ice, please contact the Grindstone Award Foundation at GrindstoneAward.com. Every little bit helps.
And, don’t forget to tune into Sportsnet to see our local, female hockey ambassador, Daneille Grundy!
Congratulations Danielle Grundy and the Grindstone Award foundation.
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