In 2008, the City of Penticton and DekSmart Vinyl Products were instrumental in forming a co-ed hockey program for the Special Needs Community in Penticton with initial registration of 18 players (free for all players) and 6 volunteer coaches. DekSmart’s annual donation has enabled the purchase of all equipment, jerseys, ice time, etc. for the current group of players. The City of Penticton annually contributes reduced ice costs and insurance coverage for all participants. It has been a significant financial contribution since the programs inception and an enormous benefit to the Special Needs individuals in the community. You can literally see the excitement of their faces when they hit the ice while inspiring confidence and lasting friendships. The ice time for the UpperDek Vees is available from October to late March and both the Fresh Start and Advanced programs participate in training and games with enthusiasm and comradery. Local teams such as the Old Timers, OHA Female U17, Emergency Services, SportChek to name a few have a blast playing the UpperDek Vees on game night and have asked to be a part of the program and play the team whenever possible. It is the community embrace like this that has given the volunteers and the athletes the feeling of appreciation for the work they put into the program where it all started, for the love of the game.
A special thanks to the many businesses that have supported us over the years. Here are just a few of those responsible for making it happen through their generosity:
City of Penticton
DekSmart Products
Guardian Heating
Penticton Lakeside Resort
Robert Fisher
Midtown RV
Greyback Contruction
Westland Insurance
Dr. Tammy Crawford
Penticton Collision
Pacific Rim
Penticton Foundry
Penticton Skaha Community Projects Society
Ladies Auxiliary Branch 227
Grant Thornton
Fraternal Order of Eagles
Berdick Manufacturing
If you would like to sponsor, feel free to reach out to us!