Guest blog by Amanda McConnell, program manager of Ehrlo Sport Venture Library.

When I started my position as program manager of Ehrlo Sport Venture Library I never would have imagined that I would be standing in the middle of Leh, India. I saw the importance of sharing some of the knowledge and the great things that the Outdoor Hockey League does for our community to a small, rural community in northern India- an area that has just as much need as Regina but does not have access to many resources.

I received amazing support from people in the agency, the community, friends, and family to make this dream trip a reality.

The beginning

Building the rink

young people a sense of belonging.

Regardless of what is going on, once hockey begins everyone has a sense of identity - they all belong and they are all hockey players. To be a part of that and work with youth who may have never otherwise had a chance to play hockey, and work with the police and local villagers on what it means to be a mentor in a young person’s life was an opportunity that it is hard to put words to and I can’t help but feel anything but grateful.

Check out Amanda's next blog for some interesting facts from her time in India.