On Saturday, October 20^th, a group of students from Miramichi Valley High School made the choice to spend their day off helping coordinate and host a six team NB Special Olympics Floor Hockey Tournament. This group of young adults, under the guidance of teacher Ann O’Neill MacDonnell, volunteered their time as officials, scorers, timekeepers, lunch servers, and avid supporters of the athletes. The character of the MVHS students was clearly evident throughout the day, as well as in the planning and events leading up to the tournament. Whether it was scheduling, attending an officiating clinic, or even arriving early to set up equipment or staying late to ensure everything was put away, these students contributed in so many ways to the success of this event.

The tournament featured teams from Western Valley, SouthEast, Capital, Acadian Peninsula, Fundy and the host Miramichi squad. In all, 10 games were played throughout the day in this first qualifying event for the 2019 Special Olympics Winter Games being hosted in Miramichi in February.

Feedback and comments from parents, coaches, fans and athletes were phenomenal in regards to the overall experience of the day, as well as the quality of the student volunteers. If the dedication and performance of these student leaders is any indication, the future at MVHS and in the community appears to be in good hands.