Grey ’27 is organizing an inclusive hockey camp inspired by a childhood mentor, aiming to spark joy, confidence, and passion in children, especially those with mental or physical disabilities, by showing them the power of dedication, kindness, and community through sport.
As I am writing this, the event that I am hosting is exactly one month away. Since the end of the school year, I have worked with a plethora of people to get the ball rolling on the camp. The biggest shaper of this camp has been Derrick Nesbit. I was just turning 4 when I went to my first hockey game–it was the third-tier pro team named the Atlanta Gladiators. I remember banging against the glass, and Derrick threw a puck to me, and now that puck sits on my desk at school and home. His love for the game that he had played for 35 years at that point drew me to it, and from that point on, I tried to mimic the smile and enjoyment that he had. This memory reminds me of my goal for the camp. I want to play the role that Derrick did in my life 12 years ago. I would like to present the love and dedication that can be put into something, whether that be skating or anything else in life. If the hours I have put into this event cause one kid to pick up the sport or simply the ideology of being passionate about a hobby, it will be a complete success. Especially with the kids that I am working with, who are normally scared to start new things because of difficulties that their mental or physical disability causes them. Derrick still has the passion for helping others that I remember him having at my first hockey camp, or coaching me when I couldn’t tie my skates. That is why having Derrick volunteering at this camp is a completely priceless opportunity, but one day he won’t be here, and there will need to be more kids who have learned to selflessly look after others and toss a puck over the glass to create a lifetime of purpose.
