Cougars, Canadian Cancer Society, and Northern Health Team Up

News 2008-09

Cougars, Canadian Cancer Society, and Northern Health Team Up

Prince George Cougars, Canadian Cancer Society, and Northern Health team up for “Hockey Yes, Tobacco No”

Tobacco prevention in the Prince George area is at centre ice, thanks to a partnership between the Prince George Cougars, Canadian Cancer Society, and Northern Health.

The three organizations have teamed up for the “Hockey Yes, Tobacco No” campaign. The initiative, in its 4^th year, is designed to raise awareness of the benefits of tobacco-free sports and influence youth behaviour through positive role models such as Captain Dana Tyrell #19 and Parker Stanfield #26 from the Prince George Cougars. Tobacco use, including spit, will hinder performance of young athletes, including fatigue, muscle weakness and decreased physical performance. Being tobacco free gives the Prince George Cougars the edge over their opponents.

“Eliminating the use of tobacco will prevent 30% of cancer deaths.  More than a third of cancer cases are preventable when physical activity is combined with a healthy diet and appropriate body weight,” says Alexa Robertson, Prevention Volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society. “Hockey Yes-Tobacco No is a fun, collaborative approach to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices.”

“Hockey Yes Tobacco No” will be launched at the Prince George Cougars game Friday November 7, 2008 against the Vancouver Giants at the CN Centre.  Congratulations to contest winner Ashley Fitzpatrick, age 9, an Atom player with the PG Minor Hockey Association who won the opportunity to drop the game puck at the November 7^th game, as well as a prize package which includes dinner at Earls, 4 tickets to the game and a prize package of goodies.

“Prevention is a big part of Northern Health’s strategy to reduce tobacco use in the region, which is the single highest cause of preventable illness and death across Northern BC,” said Laura Johnston, Tobacco Reduction Coordinator for NH. “All of us at Northern Health appreciate these kinds of partnerships to link healthy activities like hockey with a tobacco prevention message.”

“The Prince George Cougars are proud to work with Northern Health and the Canadian Cancer Society to promote tobacco free sports in our community,” said Prince George Cougars Manager Brandi Brodsky. “Our players value the ability this program gives them in connecting with minor hockey players to reduce tobacco use among youth.”