Motivational Stories From Hockey
I love hearing about motivational stories especially from high profile sports like ice hockey that has a ethnicity angle. For generations, ice hockey was considered a ‘white’ sport. No ethnics or people of colour were thought to be able to play hockey.
Of course, we have people of different ethnicities and colours who have made it to the professional NHL level in ice hockey. One great example is Jarome Iginla, the captain of the Calgary Flames and an all-star.
Although born in Canada, Iginla is part Nigerian. But like many other kids growing up in Canada, he took up hockey at an early age. The rest is hockey history as they say it as Iginla is not only a prominent pro who happens to be black, but is one of the most successful players period. And to think that he’s captain of the pro team in a location in Canada where the region is known more for being a western cowboy image.
Breaks Stereotype Mode
I love that fact that Iginla breaks the stereotype mode as he’s got thousands of kids of all races looking up to him as a role model. This in itself is one of the best motivational stories from Canadian sports I’ve come across. Not to mention that it was Iginla who passed the puck over to Sidney Crosby to score the winning goal for Team Canada during the 2010 Winter Olympics final game against Team USA.
Other Motivational Stories With Ethnicity Angle
There are many other motivational stories with some sort of ethnicity angle. Some are much less known compared to the story of Jarome Iginla. For example, I shot a Motivational WebTV episode showcasing an Immigrant Snow Skier here in Canada last year. Check it out if you missed it.
I love these types of motivational stories because they also help break down barriers between people from different races. It helps expose more diversity in our society and that’s a good thing.
