The Calgary Flames Foundation has announced the renewal and creation of funding commitments to various hockey programs in southern Alberta that focus on access, development and growth of hockey for all ages and removing barriers to playing hockey. Details on the programs funded follow:

Flames EvenStrength Program
Flames EvenStrength Program (FESP) in partnership with Hockey Calgary and KidSport Calgary helps to alleviate the cost of playing hockey for children in our community facing financial barriers to participating in organized sports. Each year the number of applicants continues to grow as the Flames endeavour to support options to play hockey for families who may not be able to afford it.

Southern Alberta Sports Equipment Bank (Comrie)
The Southern Alberta Sports Equipment Bank primary goal is to gather, recycle and redistribute equipment at no cost to those kids who would otherwise be denied the opportunity to participate. Youth who require financial assistance are eligible to receive either specific pieces of equipment or a full set if needed.

Calgary Flames Community House League
The purpose of community house league governed by Hockey Calgary is to provide players the opportunity to play organized hockey recreationally that is affordable, fun and safe with moderate time commitments allowing for participation in other social, academic or recreational activities. It also provides players with limited skills and knowledge an introduction to the game in a less intimidating format and a structured schedule playing twice a week with limited travel and fundraising requirements. The target for the programs is to increase fandom for hockey and access at an entry level to the game.

HEROS (Hockey Education Reaching Out Society)
The premise of HEROS is to use the game of hockey as a catalyst to attract vulnerable youth to a program offering support for education, self-esteem building and life skills training. HEROS ensures this by working with local schools to determine the kids who will benefit most from the program. Youth from Calgary high need communities in grades four and five that are faced with significant social and/or emotional challenges are eligible to participate in HEROS. Calgary Flames Foundation funding created the programming in Calgary communities and recently has expanded the age group and number of kids who can access HEROS.

The Flames Foundation has also launched the new Flames Super HEROS adapted specifically for youth with cognitive challenges, specifically autism and down’s syndrome. Flames Super HEROS will work with youth between the ages of seven and 17 from Calgary and area communities. Additional community collaborators include Ups & Down’s Calgary, PREP and Autism Asperger’s Friendship Society (AAFS) and Hockey Calgary.

Calgary Flames Novice Program
In partnership with Hockey Calgary the Flames Foundation launched the Flames Novice Program for all Novice age group players. All Novice players in Calgary receive their game jerseys as part of the program in order to reduce this cost from families and participants.

Amateur Hockey Support
CWHL Inferno
UofC Dinos Hockey
SAIT Trojans Hockey
MRU Cougars Hockey
AJHL Mustangs and Canucks
Calgary Amateur and Grassroots Sports teams through 50/50

Flames Hitmen Hockey Inspires Leadership Day
This one day workshop will bring together over 800 minor hockey players from all associations with an emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship, respect and fun. Interactive panels and informative breakout sessions with knowledgeable representatives from professional sports provide a unique perspective on what it means to be a leader both on and off the ice. This event is designed for players who aspire to be leaders and role models not only on their minor hockey team but in the community as well.

Flames Learn to Play
The NHL Flames Learn to Play is six weeks of programming for introductory players. The purpose of the program is to provide young players with exposure to the game and a positive first experience. The Learn to Play initiative provides head-to-toe equipment to children ages 4 to 8 at no cost in an effort to reduce cost barriers.

Rink Refurbishments
Every season the Calgary Flames Foundation refurbishes local outdoor rinks in and around Calgary helping to provide safe spaces for people of all ages to play.

About Calgary Flames Foundation:
When the ownership group brought the Flames to Calgary in 1980 their mandate, which is still prominent today, was to ensure that the Calgary Flames have a positive impact on the quality of life in southern Alberta. Since its inception the Calgary Flames Foundation, has raised millions for education, amateur and grassroots sports and health and wellness, over $38 million since 2000. Since day one the Calgary Flames and the Flames Foundation have endeavoured to provide access and support to play and grow the game of hockey.