HISTORY AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Ice Factor started in 2005 as a collaborative program between the South Australian Ice Sports Federation, the Adelaide Ice ArenA, school communities and local businesses. Developed by Marie Shaw (SAISF and Management Group of Ice ArenA), Don Anderson (class liaison at Parafield Gardens High School), John Botterill (General Manager of Ice ArenA and Head Coach, Adelaide Assassins), Chris Hall (IHA Women's Director and Management Group of IceArenA) and Christine Manning (Youth Worker), the program soon demonstrated its efficacy in achieving its goals.
Fifteen students at Parafield Gardens High School attended an 8 week pilot program through which they learnt to skate and developed basic ice hockey skills. Channel 7 filmed the students as they progressed through the program. The pilot program culminated in a game between the school students (who had formed themselves into Team Reapers) and a composite beginner/novice team from the IceArenA Hockey Academy.
Team Reapers was sponsored by VIP Services and Power Play Sports who between them supplied the players with equipment and skates. The Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency Majorie Jackson-Nelson, attended the game night and presented the students with Ice Factor certificates.
President of IHA Don Rurak, and IHA Treasurer Kevin Browne attended on behalf of IHA, and Grant Harding and Steve Wise attended on behalf of the SAIHA. Bill Viss attended on behalf of VIP Services, the major sponsor of the program.
Based on the successful pilot program, Ice Factor moved into its second phase, with 5 schools being involved. A further 3 schools became involved in Term 2 of 2006. An inter-school competition will begin in the second half of the year as part of Phase 3 of the program.
Soon the Ice Factor grew to 14 schools, and required the employment of more high quality coaches and staff, with Sami Mantere to head them. The participating schools have proudly reported an increase in school attendance of their students, increased academic performance, and in one school’s case, the lost half of their team to traineeships, apprenticeships, and permanent employment for the students. Now the Ice Factor is working with schools to help open up more pathways for students, including University and TAFE, through the introduction of the Inspire Peer Mentor Program from Flinders University, an Ice Factor Alumni Network, and keynote speakers.
If you wish to support our program, please contact us by clicking here.
Fifteen students at Parafield Gardens High School attended an 8 week pilot program through which they learnt to skate and developed basic ice hockey skills. Channel 7 filmed the students as they progressed through the program. The pilot program culminated in a game between the school students (who had formed themselves into Team Reapers) and a composite beginner/novice team from the IceArenA Hockey Academy.
Team Reapers was sponsored by VIP Services and Power Play Sports who between them supplied the players with equipment and skates. The Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency Majorie Jackson-Nelson, attended the game night and presented the students with Ice Factor certificates.
President of IHA Don Rurak, and IHA Treasurer Kevin Browne attended on behalf of IHA, and Grant Harding and Steve Wise attended on behalf of the SAIHA. Bill Viss attended on behalf of VIP Services, the major sponsor of the program.
Based on the successful pilot program, Ice Factor moved into its second phase, with 5 schools being involved. A further 3 schools became involved in Term 2 of 2006. An inter-school competition will begin in the second half of the year as part of Phase 3 of the program.
Soon the Ice Factor grew to 14 schools, and required the employment of more high quality coaches and staff, with Sami Mantere to head them. The participating schools have proudly reported an increase in school attendance of their students, increased academic performance, and in one school’s case, the lost half of their team to traineeships, apprenticeships, and permanent employment for the students. Now the Ice Factor is working with schools to help open up more pathways for students, including University and TAFE, through the introduction of the Inspire Peer Mentor Program from Flinders University, an Ice Factor Alumni Network, and keynote speakers.
If you wish to support our program, please contact us by clicking here.