b"With the help of The Ireland Funds and the Belfast Giants Community Foundation,the Giant H.E.R.O.S. program is Bringing Communities Together Through Hockey.tHepRogRambRingSallkindSofkidStogetHeR.i'vemetkidSfRomoutSidetHecamp,evenkidSfRomdublin.WHenifiRStmettHem,iWaSn'tSuReWe'dallundeRStandeacHotHeR,butWeHadtogettoknoW eacH otHeR fiRSt. noW We getonWitHeacHotHeR.i'vemadeloadSoffRiendS.WeplayHockey.We talk.NATALIE, age 13i nt H e l a n d o ft H e g i a n t S ,e v e Ryo n e i S e q u a lA program with roots in Canada that uses hockey to The Belfast Giants Community Foundation has sup-empower children from disadvantaged neighborhoods portedtheGiantH.E.R.O.S.program.Inaprogramis now making a difference to communities in Northern sponsored in part by The Ireland Funds, over 30 youngIreland. The Giant H.E.R.O.S. program bridges commu- people from Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods innity divides and offers children from high-risk and eco- Belfast, disadvantaged neighborhoods in Dublin andnomically challenged areas in Belfast and Dublin a Holywood Army Barracks come together each year forchance to interact and learn about one another. By a camp experience with the Belfast Giants team. Team-bringingthemtogetherovertheneutralsportof building activities include the development of hockeyhockey, the program is teaching kids that teamwork skills (culminating in a final game held at the Odysseyand discipline can transcend fear and misconceptions.Arena), DVD production, swimming, and workshopsBelfast has become the natural hub of the pro- aroundthefourGiantH.E.R.O.S.pillars:discipline, gram as it has two ice rinks including the Odyssey respect, listening, and fun. In addition, the participantsArena, home of the Belfast Giants pro hockey team. The meet throughout the year to further foster the interac-Belfast Giants motto is In the land of the Giants, every- tions between young people.one is equal. The team believes that as a non-sectar-iansport,thegameofhockeycanplayarolein The Giants really believe in the ability of this pro-bringing diverse communities together.gram to change lives. By developing the experiencesofyoungpeopletoday,wewillencouragethem togrowaspeopleandhelpbuildavibrantandpeaceful society in the future, said Todd Kelman,Belfast Giants General Manager.connect2012 | 52"