Donaldson announces “Don’t Let Gangs Score” contest winner
Mar. 29, 2011 (SMITHERS, BC) – Today Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson announced that the winner of the “Don’t Let Gangs Score” essay contest, in partnership with Dan Hamhuis of the Vancouver Canucks, is Carissa Zotich of Quick, B.C.
Carissa, 14, is a grade 9 student at Smithers Senior Secondary. She won the essay writing contest from a draw of the top seven finalists, of which four were from Smithers, two from Hazelton, and Carissa from Quick. HawkAir, Smithers Community Policing and the Gitxsan Chiefs office were sponsors of the contest along with Donaldson and Hamhuis, and the prize is a trip for two to watch the Canucks play the Edmonton Oilers, April 2 in Vancouver.
“First and foremost I want to congratulate the more than 80 young people who entered the contest writing about how involvement in sports gives a sense of belonging to community,” said Donaldson. “I appreciate they made the effort and the three volunteer judges did a great job in what was a very difficult task because of the overall excellent quality of the entries.”
“Don’t Let Gangs Score” was organized by Donaldson’s Stikine MLA offices in Smithers and Hazelton to address an issue local RCMP highlighted in a news story about increasing gang activity in the area.
“Experts point out that some teens searching for a sense of belonging, and the power that comes with being part of a group, can be attracted to gangs,” said the Stikine MLA. “By communities promoting other ways to fill these needs, like being involved in sports, we are able to provide youth with much healthier opportunities to be part of something bigger than themselves. That is what the contest was about – highlighting a positive way for young to people to connect and feel part of a bigger picture.”
Based on the success of this initiative, Donaldson plans to continue delivering the community engagement message, by-youth-for-youth, with a similar essay contest later this year on how involvement in the arts creates a feeling of belonging.
“The response to this contest was fantastic,” said Donaldson. “But we know it is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to youth communicating about ways they have found to fight isolation and find a sense of belonging to community and a bigger picture. It’s all about highlighting a positive message and identifying opportunities, rather than focusing solely on a negative message and just telling young people what they shouldn’t do.”
Contact: Doug Donaldson, (250) 505-7785