iDREAM

Sport

A way to make tomorrow the day where all of us can play…

 

Athletic Achievement: Evaluate the nominee’s performance, records, and achievements in their respective sport at national and international levels.

Leadership and Sportsmanship: Assess the nominee’s leadership qualities, integrity, and sportsmanship both on and off the field.

Impact and Inspiration: Consider the nominee’s influence on inspiring others, promoting participation in sports, and advocating for important causes.

Diversity and Inclusion: Examine the nominee’s efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within their sport and the broader sporting community.

Community Engagement: Review the nominee’s involvement in community outreach programs, youth development initiatives, or philanthropic efforts related to sports.

Sport

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iDREAM

Sports Winner

The Little Native Hockey League (Little NHL) tournament was founded in 1971 by five visionary individuals who sought to create a space for First Nation youth to come together through sport. Earl Abotossaway, former Chief Jim McGregor, the late James D. Debassige, the late Reverend Leonard Self, and the late Norman Debassige turned their shared dream into reality with the inaugural tournament held during the Christmas break in Little Current. That first event welcomed 17 teams and approximately 200 players.

Today, the Little NHL has grown into a major annual event, hosting hundreds of teams and thousands of young athletes from across First Nation communities. It stands as a proud tradition, honouring the legacy of its founders while continuing to foster unity, pride, and excellence.

Over the years, many First Nations have hosted the tournament, including Aundeck Omni Kaning, Curve Lake, Dokis, Fort William, Garden River, M’Chigeeng, Nipissing, Sagamok, Saugeen, Six Nations, Walpole Island, Wausauksing, Wikwemikong, Whitefish Lake, and Whitefish River.

The tournament has also served as a launching pad for many players who have gone on to compete at higher levels of hockey, including AA, AAA, Tier II, Junior B, collegiate, OHL, and even the NHL. While the caliber of play continues to rise, the heart of the tournament remains unchanged—grounded in the four pillars of sportsmanship, respect, citizenship, and education.

iDREAM

#iDREAMSport

iDREAMand the Media Award for Athletics

Welcome to the grand finale of your sporting journey! At iDREAM, we recognize the power of sports to inspire, unite, and transcend boundaries. Our commitment to the sports industry is not just about victories

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The iDREAM Media Award is your ticket to global visibility, inspiring the next generation of sporting icons
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