Peterborough Lakers Defeat Cobourg Kodiaks at Pride Night Game

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers improved their record to 8-2 on Thursday with a 12-9 win over the Cobourg Kodiaks on Pride Night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. 

photo courtesy of the peterborough lakers.

The Lakers raised over $3,500 through a silent auction featuring specially-designed game-worn Pride jerseys, with proceeds being donated to Sport A Rainbow. 2,116 fans were in attendance at the Thursday night game.

The Sport A Rainbow pledge shows commitment to speaking up against hateful speech and actions in sports. 

“Anytime you can make people feel welcome and make sure everyone is comfortable in their own skin, that’s important,” said captain Robert Hope. “As an educator, it starts with being a good person. Show people respect.” 

Founder and operator of Sport A Rainbow Rose Powers says all the Lakers team members and staff proudly took the Sport A Rainbow Pledge.

“Working with kids for over 30 years, that’s all I want, for youth have a voice,” said Powers. “I know how important it is for kids in our community to see the top lacrosse organization in the City wanting everyone to know they’re welcome here. Representation matters.”

Rose Powers, Middle Back Row and Ella, front. photo courtesy of the peterborough lakers.

Powers says the goal through Sport A Rainbow is to promote inclusion for all– inside and outside of the game.

“A lot of fans have came up to me tonight to make sure that I know that they see me, they see what the pledge is, they see what I’m trying to do and they are in support of it,” continued Powers. “I couldn’t be more proud.”

8 year old Ella, Sport A Rainbow’s youth ambassador, says she took the pledge after Powers came to talk to her hockey team.

“When people take the pledge, you’re making the promise to include people and stand up for what is right to make the world a better place,” she said.

Photos courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

“Lakers lacrosse is for everyone. It’s all inclusive,” stated Cam Milligan, who played his first game back in a Lakers’ uniform after being re-acquired from the Kodiaks.  

The Lakers scored four-straight goals to open the game before Cobourg got on the board. Milligan pushed his way to the front of the net to put Peterborough up 5-1 after the first.  

Peterborough continued to dominate in the second period, outscoring Cobourg 5-2 to lead 10-3 after 40 minutes. Jr. A call-up Nick Roode scored his first MSL goal, and Holden Cattoni completed a hat trick. 

The Lakers looked to be in control of the game, leading 11-4 in the third after Cattoni’s fourth of the game, but Cobourg found a spark and scored five goals in the last six minutes of play, including a pair of shorthanded markers, to cut the deficit.  

“They finished hard. Fortunately, we had a lead because we worked hard early,” said Milligan. “We still got the W so I’ll take it.” 

Nick Roode scored on a last-second penalty shot to seal the deal for the Lakers, who remain in second place behind the Six Nations Chiefs. 

Scoring for the Lakers: 

Holden Cattoni (4-3) 

Nick Roode (2-0) 

Turner Evans (1-4) 

Cam Milligan (1-4) 

Taite Cattoni (1-4) 

Mike Robinson (1-2) 

Austin Hasen (1-1) 

Josh Currier (1-0) 

Jake Withers (0-1) 

Matt Gilray (0-1) 

The Lakers are on the road Tuesday to visit the Chiefs in a game that will have first-place ramifications, and then return home next Thursday, July 13 to host the Brooklin Lacrosse Club.

Tickets are available at the Peterborough Memorial Centre box office. 

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City of Peterborough To Host the Inclusive Sport and Recreation Expo March 4

The City of Peterborough will be hosting the second Inclusive Sport and Recreation Expo in partnership with the Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) on March 4 at the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.)

file photo.

From noon to 3 p.m., the Inclusive Sport and Recreation Expo will bring together community sport and recreation organizations to highlight and promote inclusiveness and encourage participation for people of all abilities. Local groups will showcase their inclusive programs to potential participants.

This free event is set to provide children and families an opportunity to learn more about the resources available and inclusivity in sport and recreation through demonstrations, peer engagement and information sessions.

The Council for Persons with Disabilities works to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by promoting equality, opportunity and inclusion in the Peterborough area. CPD strives to increase community capacity and create positive change while advocating on behalf of persons with disabilities for improved services that will allow persons with disabilities to live a full, productive life. 

Those with any questions about attending the Inclusive Sport & Recreation as an attendee or as a vendor can email rec@peterborough.ca. 

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Mayor Jeff Leal Makes Statement Regarding Expected Drag Queen Story Time Protest at Peterborough Public Library

City of Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal and Peterborough Public Library board chair Dan Moloney have issued the following statements regarding protests at the Peterborough Public Library Drag Queen Story Time event on Feb. 25.

betty baker addressing fans outside the peterborough public library after drag queen story time on Jan. 14. photo by felicia massey.

“The City of Peterborough supports providing an inclusive, safe community for all residents. We strongly reject any act that incites hate in the community against any particular group. Thank you to the Peterborough Public Library for promoting an inclusive community, offering programming for all residents,” Mayor Jeff Leal stated.

The Drag Queen Story Time event will feature local drag queen Betty Baker sharing some of her favourite stories around the themes of diversity, inclusion and respect.

“The Library Board supports the Library in its endeavours to educate and support inclusivity. We are behind the Library staff and the offering of Drag Queen Story Time,” Library Board Chair Dan Moloney stated.

The City of Peterborough is a member of the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities. Member municipalities must advance initiatives to:

1. Improve their practices for social inclusion

2. Establish policies to eradicate racism and discrimination

3. Promote human rights and diversity 

The Peterborough Police Service provides an online reporting tool for reporting hate/bias incident.

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Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal Proclaims February As Black History Month

City of Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal has proclaimed February as Black History Month, issuing the below statement on Wednesday.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

“On behalf of the City of Peterborough, it is my pleasure to recognize February as Black History Month,” begins Mayor Leal.

“Black Canadians have made significant contributions to the development and betterment of our community throughout our City’s history. During Black History Month, we celebrate the many achievements and contributions of these residents to the economic, cultural, and political life of our community and our country,” he says.

“Peterborough is a growing and increasingly diverse community. In 2021, almost 10 per cent of our residents identified as a member of racialized group, up from 6 per cent in 2016, with about 1.5 per cent identifying as Black. This diversity is a source of strength. Inclusive communities that embrace their diversity are more innovative, creative, dynamic, resilient, and prosperous,” says Mayor Leal.

“In 2019, City Council approved the City of Peterborough becoming a member of the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities. Member municipalities must advance initiatives to improve their practices for social inclusion, establish policies to eradicate racism and discrimination, and promote human rights and diversity,” he continues.

“Throughout February and all year long, I encourage all residents to learn more, to recognize, and celebrate the many important contributions of Black Canadians to the growth and development of our community and country,” Mayor Leal concludes.

For more on Mayor Leal’s statement, visit the City of Peterborough website.

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Peterborough to Host Inclusive Sport and Recreation Expo

The City of Peterborough is hosting the Inclusive Sport and Recreation Expo, promoting inclusion and participation in sports and recreation in the community at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre on Nov. 19.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

In partnership with the Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) and the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the free event will run from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

The CPD strives to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in Peterborough by promoting equality, opportunity and inclusion and advocating to increase community capacity.

The expo is set to bring together the community of sport and recreation organizations and highlight/promote inclusiveness and participation for people of all abilities.

Families will have the opportunity to learn more about inclusivity in sport and recreation through demonstrations and peer engagement with local recreation groups. The event will include prizes, activities and a free swim.

The Inclusive Sport and Recreation Expo will feature approximately two dozen organizations including:

• Peterborough Pickleball

• Peterborough Cricket Association

• YMCA East Ontario

• Electric City Special Needs Sports

• Peterborough Curling Club

• Abilities Centre

• Autism Ontario Central East Region

• Peterborough Patriots Sports Club

• Peterborough Special Olympics

• Peterborough Challengers Baseball Association

• Peterborough Athletics Concussion Awareness

• Peterborough Petes

• Junior Achievement Northeast Ontario

• CapableCon-Council for Persons with Disabilities

• City of Peterborough Recreation Services Division

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Fleming College Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month By Lighting Up Campuses Purple and Blue

Fleming College to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) with Light It Up! For NDEAM, lighting up all three campus locations purple and blue Thursday evening (Oct. 20).

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Buildings at the Frost, Sutherland and Haliburton Fleming campuses and 17 employment services providers managed by Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services (MKES) will be lit at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

“Light It Up! For NDEAM reminds us that we must constantly work toward removing barriers to employment and education for those living with disabilities and demonstrates a commitment to creating a welcoming place for everyone,” said Maureen Adamson, president of Fleming College. “We encourage businesses and organizations in our campus communities to join us and light it up on October 20.” 

This is an annual event with the Ontario Disability Employment Network. Light it Up! For NDEAM takes place in big cities, small towns and rural communities across Canada, with last year’s campaign reportedly reaching over 35 million people.

MKES has held several employer workshops throughout the month of October to focus on supporting accessible workplaces.

Visit here for more NDEAM services and to learn more about MKES.

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Five Counties Shares Tips For A More Inclusive Halloween For All Kids

With Halloween around the corner, Peterborough-area residents are being asked to help break down barriers to trick-or-treating by following the Tricks to Make Halloween a Treat for Kids of All Ages and Abilities from Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC).

File photo.

They are urging the community to consider the following when taking part in Halloween festivities:

1. Set up a trick-or-treating station that is accessible and barrier-free for every child to enjoy. For homes with stairs, consider setting up an accessible treat station on the front lawn, driveway or garage. If all else fails, be creative and use your vehicle’s trunk to hand out candy.

2. Clear the path for trick-or-treaters. Remove potential obstacles and ensure the way to your treat station is wide open and well lit, especially for trick-or-treaters with mobility challenges. Consider parking on the street or in the garage to create even more space.

3. Decorate for Halloween with care. While scary and spooky decorations are appealing, they can be frightening for some trick-or-treaters. Bright flashing lights and loud or frightening noises can cause problems for children with sensory processing issues, autism or epilepsy. Be thoughtful and tactful in how you decorate so more children can take part in trick-or-treating.

4. Communication counts. Some children may say “trick or treat” differently. Some may use sign language, assistive technology, speak slowly or be non-verbal. Be respectful whatever the circumstances. A smile and wave can say so much!

5. Seeing blue? That’s OK. Blue pumpkins have been informally adopted by some families as a way to indicate children have unique ways of behaving and communicating. If you see a trick-or-treater carrying a blue pumpkin, be understanding and adjust your interactions as needed.

6. Use some “show and tell” to hand out treats. If you encounter children with visual or hearing problems, describe or hold up the treat before placing it in the bag so they are aware of what they are receiving.

7. A sign of the times. If you want to make an even stronger statement, put up a sign on your front lawn indicating you are an accessible/inclusive trick-or-treating stop.

Five Counties is echoing the message of Treat Accessibly, a grassroots movement formed in 2017. Treat Accessibly promotes inclusivity and accessibility around trick-or-treating.

According to the Treat Accessibly organization, more than 400,000 children in Canada identify as having one or more disabilities which can prevent them from enjoying trick-or-treating with other children.

“Ask any child, and he or she will tell you Halloween ranks right up there as one of the best days of the year. We’re encouraging people to consider children of all ages and abilities this Halloween,” says Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “Halloween is one of those days or festivities that children of every ability should have the chance to experience and enjoy.”

To learn more visit https://www.fivecounties.on.ca.

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