PETERBOROUGH, ON (February 6, 2023) – When it comes to motivation, the Peterborough Petes have chosen a first-rounder in the form of seven-year-old Talon.
The youth, whose inspiring story of receiving therapy at Five Counties Children’s Centre is second to none, will be at rinkside as an honourary assistant coach for the Petes’ at their Family Day matinee game on Feb. 20 against Sudbury. The Petes are teaming up with Five Counties Children’s Centre for the upcoming Family Day game in what’s becoming an annual tradition between the two organizations.
Part of the game proceeds will support Five Counties’ work to provide physio, occupational and speech therapy, as well as other services, to more than 6,000 children and youth in the region. Tickets are $15 for the game and available through Five Counties by emailing development@fivecounties.on.ca or calling 1-888-779-9916, ext. 300.
According to Talon’s mom, Kristen, her son is excited at the prospect of his game-day duties. “Talon has said to me, ‘you mean I get to tell the team to work hard, and they have to listen?” Kristen relates, with a smile.
Talon, whose older brother Blake will serve as an honourary scout at the same game as part of the Petes’ Next Gen program, has been a client at Five Counties for five years. Talon was previously diagnosed with ODD/ADHD, making communication difficult for him. At Five Counties, Talon has received speech therapy that has helped immensely.
“Five Counties has been there to help push Talon out of his comfort zone and reach for goals he never thought he could do,” Kristen notes.
Talon is one of many Five Counties kids who will play a part at the Petes’ game on Feb. 20. Scott is another, and he will be joined by his family at centre ice for the ceremonial puck drop at the start of the Feb. 20 game. Scott’s story at Five Counties dates back to when he was born with a severe form of Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. With treatment and support from Five Counties, he is able to move around and even attend a gymnastics class.
“Just a month after his second birthday, Scott discovered the freedom of walking on his own, thanks to a mini-walker built just for him,” says mom Joanna. “Six months later, he took his first steps without it. That moment was amazing, and we feel so fortunate to have had the right team of therapists at Five Counties to support him every step of the way.”
If hockey is a team game, it is also a team effort between Five Counties staff and families to ensure kids receive the life-changing treatment they need and deserve, says Centre CEO Scott Pepin.
“It’s amazing to see how kids like Talon and Scott are thriving with the right care and support,” says Pepin. “We’re very pleased to be partnering with the Petes on the game and invite everyone to come out and show their support. We’re also grateful that so many members of our Five Counties family will be here with us – fittingly – on Family Day.”
The Petes’ Family Day game is part of many Winterfest 2023 activities being planned by Five Counties this month. Winterfest also features a Thank-You Card Colouring Contest for kids, raffle, online auction, virtual activities, and in-person, family-friendly events on Feb. 18 at Peterborough’s Lansdowne Place mall and on Feb. 19 at Lindsay Square Mall.
Category: General News,Winterfest