Broomball: A National Heritage Sport
Finch a local epicentre of this favourite Canadian pastime
FINCH — Broomball can be traced back to the early 1900s. Its exact origin is debatable, some documentation points to Barrie, Ontario; while others claim it was the First Nations that passed this sport on to the settlers. But regardless of its origin, we can all agree that it’s a fun Canadian sport.
At approximately only one third of the cost of hockey — with minimal equipment requirements (broomball shoes, hockey helmet, elbow pads, shin pads, gloves and of course a broomball stick) and less time commitment (one game per week) — this sport appeals to many Canadian families. Skill training is incorporated in with games and most games take place at your home arena, therefore travel cost and time are also kept to a minimal. This combination makes broomball a win-win sport for both children and parents alike.
Not only are team sports such as broomball fun and exciting, but they also bring about a gamut of other great benefits. It can help build your child’s confidence; provides regular exercise; expands their social skills and develops relationships; contributes to stronger academics by teaching children discipline and time management skills; as well as teaches children respect and helps them to put winning into perspective.
Eastern Ontario has always been a centre for strong-skilled broomball players, with Finch being one of the primary hubs in the area. Finch Youth Broomball 2017-18 season starts the weekend of Sept. 22, and children ranging in age from 4 to 15 are welcome to join. Registration fees are $165 for Sprouts (ages 4-8), and $195 for Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget. Registration will take place on Sept. 9 and 12 downstairs at the Finch Arena. Interested in joining? Or have questions? Simply contact finchbroomball@gmail.com or follow the organization on Facebook (Finch Youth Broomball).
Zandbergen photo, Nation Valley News
Above, a clip of the Finch Green Machine versus a combined Carleton Place/Akwesasne team, competing in the PeeWee level at the 2017 Finch Youth Broomball tournament, followed by some Sprouts action with Finch (in yellow) against Russell.
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Enjoy the Stormont County Fair — Sept. 1-4, 2017
The Stormont County Fair arrives next weekend with 150th celebrations and so much fun. Check out the video here but also see the Fair website — stormontcountyfair.ca — for the full list of events. Hit the Midway Bracelet button on the website for more info to purchase pre-fair sales online or onsite before 11:30 a.m. on Friday.
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