I was extremely disappointed and upset to read that box lacrosse would not have access to any arena facility in Penticton this year (Western News, Jan. 29, Lacrosse on the city council agenda,Jan. 29).
Lacrosse is appreciative that city council voted on Monday in favour of removing ice from Memorial Arena which will help the sport continue to grow, but as a long time volunteer who along with many other hard working and dedicated people have helped to build and support lacrosse in this community, I am frustrated with the lack of respect this sport receives in our city. Penticton Minor Lacrosse and the South Okanagan Junior Flames give over 150 youth the opportunity to be active and provide a healthy, competitive environment.
Penticton is not just a hockey town. This city should be supportive of all sports and do everything possible to maintain a good working relationship between minor sport organizations and Spectra.
Bobby Orr, Wayne Gretzky, Steven Stamkos, John Tavares and Steve Nash (all former lacrosse players) have stated that playing hockey 12 months a year is unhealthy and unproductive. Playing different sports develops different skills.
All of the members of Penticton Minor Lacrosse and the South Okanagan Flames are locals. They attend local schools, their parents shop locally, but most importantly pay taxes in the city of Penticton. They should have equal access to local facilities. Commuting to Summerland for all practices and games is not acceptable.
I personally resent the idea that local youth are being excluded so that wealthy for profit athletic groups can have more access to our own facilities. This is fundamentally wrong.
Lacrosse is only asking for access to one of the city facilities for a period of mid-April to late-June as they have in the past. What is so unreasonable about this request?
I hope city council will see the value of supporting local groups. Grabbing for more dollars at the expense of our kids cannot be tolerated. Lacrosse is Canada’s National Summer Sport and lets treat this great sport and the players, coaches, executive, officials and parents who support it with a lot more respect.
Dan Van Os,
Past-president, Penticton Lacrosse