From the CEO
I am a hopeful person. Whether it is the confidence that I can make that green light, that the person I am asking to help with something will say “yes,” or that the new recipe will be OK even though I was short one ingredient, I like to think that the path I start on will yield a desirable outcome. I also trust in the good of others. Whether a stranger will stop to help with a flat tire or that the person ahead of me sees my full load and will hold open the door, without hope and trust, life can be a fairly bleak journey.
We live in a community where it can be realistic to trust and look for the good in others. AWS Foundation’s mission has the values of hope and trust integrated with our funding. We firmly believe that those with disabilities have potential and can live full lives. We trust that with the right supports, opportunities for a rich life can be available for all.
At the beginning of the year, I was disappointed. At a local hockey game, a young man with Down syndrome was pelted with foam hockey pucks as a clear attempt of targeted harassment to the entertainment of those who were throwing them. Komets games are fun and a part of our winter activities. Everyone should have a chance to enjoy the fun and trust that it will be a safe and fun event. This “Chuck-a-Puck” activity is a usual event and is intended to provide prizes for those who get the pucks down to the ice. Using the opportunity to be cruel is not reflective of our community.
A fan posted pictures on social media in an attempt to identify the two men, but nobody spoke up in the moment. The community has rallied to support the young man who was harassed and condemned the actions of the men who threw the pucks. All in agreement that it is atypical of the hometown fans. But the best lessons are taught in the moment. When we see something wrong, we should speak up – if safe to do so – while it is happening.
The Komets organization, the young man's family, GiGi’s Playhouse, and the Coliseum have all spoken out against the action. We hope that at future games, every attendee will be given respect from others. Each of us can always give something…even if it is only kindness.
