Beth Veale

“To me, ringette means family. My parents not only encouraged me and my sisters to play this “new” sport in the early 1970’s, they helped coach and manage our teams, served on committees, drove to practices and games, shoveled the snow at half time, brought hot chocolate to keep us warm, and, most importantly, built our confidence. I loved playing ringette. I loved the game, belonging on a team, the competition, the adventures, but mostly the people. My coaches have had such a positive impact on my life that I became a coach myself and now I work on Ringette Canada Coach Developer Committee to support all our coaches in ensuring that our kids enjoy a positive experience playing ringette. I knew I wanted my own children to experience all the benefits that sports can bring and I am so grateful to have been able to share ringette with my daughter, Lindsay. The friends we have made, the places we have travelled to, and the life lessons we have learned through ringette have enriched our lives in so many ways, including having a huge influence on our chosen careers.  Every time I step into an arena, I can see that I am not alone in believing that ringette is awesome. My heart is full as I watch the next generation of families getting involved in ringette, led by the incredible ringette athletes who want to share the positive experiences they have had in their ringette careers with their own children.” – Beth Veale (Dollard Des Ormeaux, Quebec)