The Grey Cup/The Stanley Cup

When I was in Junior High School (now called middle school), I learned all about the Grey Cup and the Stanley Cup as part of Canadian studies curriculum.  

I learned that the Stanley Cup was named after Lord Stanley of Preston who was Governor General of Canada and was first awarded in 1893 to the Montreal Hockey Club.  Lord Stanley had a commitment to amateur hockey and Canada and wanted to grow the sport hence lending his name to the Cup.  

The Grey Cup is not quite as old.  It was commissioned in 1909 by the Earl Grey who was serving as Governor General of Canada.  He originally wanted to award a trophy to hockey, but since that was already taken, he donated the Cup in his name to Football.  

I learned a lot more about them than this, but, this is what I basically remember.  Having this knowledge has not made any difference in my life.  At best, I have been an annoyance to a former boyfriend when I have known more about the subject than an old boyfriend.  

My partner participates in a program through the Canadian Mental Health Association called Mile 5.  The program goes into Middle Schools and educates students about mental health.  As part of that program, adults with mental illness share their stories with the students and answer their questions.  My partner volunteers with this program any opportunity that arises.  

I secretly worry about him every time he does this.  I remember Junior High School as a time of great judgement from students and the peer pressure to be cool.  After he volunteers he calls me and he is literally high as a kite.  

He loves this experience because he is so impressed with the students of today.  They are so sensitive to mental health and mental illness already.  They ask incredible thoughtful questions.  They also complete evaluations in which their comments reflect empathy and compassion and inclusion.  My partner is convinced that we are safe leaving the world to the next generation and is hopeful they will correct many of the mistakes that our generation has made.  

Education about mental health seems far more valuable than the education I received on the Grey Cup and the Stanley Cup.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

One of my saddest days in Winnipeg

Image
I felt compelled to attend an information meeting of the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre.  Compelled because it will be, not in my neighbourhood, but in my City Ward.  Compelled after reading Bruce's story and his family's wish to make this recovery centre his legacy.  Compelled because of the opposition to this centre.  I wanted my voice to be a positive one. Since the land has already been rezoned, the BORC is going to happen and the meeting was to update the community on progress and get input on a few minor details.   I didn't realize that it would be one of the saddest days I have experienced in Winnipeg.   When I arrived, I experienced the "white people". They were people dressed in white who were there to oppose the Centre.  In order to get in to the community centre, I had to pass two "white people" who were at the door with placards in opposition.  It was intimidating.  They didn't deter anyone from entering but th...
Read more

There's Something from Jenny - Part 2

Image
I am trying to evolve as a blogger.  One of my friends told me that I needed to start adding my pictures to my blog so that people would know who they are communicating with.  So, good, bad, or ugly, I am adding my picture as much as I can.  It makes me feel vulnerable.  Not as vulnerable as I would feel if I was running for Mayor of a major Canadian city. I can't imagine how vulnerable I would feel, having every move and every word analyzed and taken out of context.  Perspective always defines your reality.  For example, I could tell you that I witnessed a murder by the Superstore last week.  That might bring up some powerful images in your mind.  Then, there would be those who know that a group of crows is called a murder.  That gives my previous statement have a whole different image in your mind.  So, when I spent an hour with Jenny Motkaluk that was my biggest impression.  She doesn't mind being vulnerable.  She just w...
Read more

Seriously? Opposition to BORC opening at old Vimy Arena Site

Image
I decided to go for a walk today.  It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  My quest was to understand the home owner's opposition to having the closed arena site being converted to a much needed addiction treatment facility.  I took some pictures on my phone and want to explain what I found out.  The first picture was taken while I was standing on the immense green space at the back of the old Vimy Arena.  You can see in the background what is the closest residential development.  It is a town house complex.  In order for someone who was participating in treatment at BORC to interact with someone living in the complex, they would have to walk and then cross a creek, and then get through the trees.  I would think the residents living in that complex would be more worried about the drainage pipe that leads on the creek.  I would be concerned about a wandering child being trapped in there.  The second pic...
Read more