Whether it's a frozen hockey rink, cold outdoor stadium or chilly basketball court — it doesn't matter: All the coaches of University of Lethbridge Pronghorn Athletics teams will be barefoot this weekend to support Right To Play’s ‘Go Shoeless’ campaign.
The Pronghorn Athletics group is part of a national effort involving 12 universities, seven high schools and two community initiatives. They have committed to going shoeless to raise awareness and funds to benefit Right To Play’s worldwide work, and to highlight the critical importance of access to safe play spaces and equipment for children’s education and development.
At home this weekend, men’s soccer head coach Randy Bardock and his entire coaching staff will coach without shoes on Saturday, Sept. 28 as their team takes on the Mount Royal University Cougars.
“It’s a fantastic initiative and I feel that we, as coaches at the University level, need to do all we can to raise awareness for this program,” says Bardock. “I am proud to be involved in such a worthwhile endeavour.”
Kick-off for both Saturday and Sunday’s game is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. at the University Community Sports Stadium.
During the National Female Hockey Challenge being hosted in Lethbridge this weekend, head coach Chandy Kaip will go shoeless as she coaches the Horns during Saturday’s game versus Ryerson Polytechnic University.
On the road this weekend, women’s soccer head coach Ilsa Wong and assistant coach Fred Trinh will go shoeless for Saturday’s game versus the Saskatchewan Huskies in Saskatoon.
While Horns women's basketball has yet to enter its competitive season, women’s head coach Erin McAleenan and assistant coach Claire Meadows will be involved in the initiative on Saturday during their Junior ‘Horns Clinic.
Founded in Canada in 2000, Right To Play is a global organization that uses the transformative power of play to educate and empower children facing adversity. More than 13,500 local volunteer coaches lead Right To Play’s regular weekly sport and play programming, which reach one million children across more than 20 countries.
Visit the Right to Play website for additional information.