Teams consisting of UAlberta medical students, alumni, emergency responders and others battled it out on the ice.
"Outdoor hockey is what it's all about" - Paul Coffey, member of the NHL Hall of Fame.
Over the weekend of Feb. 7 to 9, 207 players pulled themselves from warm beds to strap on their equipment and take part in some good, old-fashioned outdoor hockey, in the Medicine Cup Charity Tournament (MCCT). Teams consisting of University of Alberta medical students, alumni, emergency responders and others battled it out, not for glory but to raise funds for Little Warriors, an organization committed to the awareness, prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse.
We spoke with David Edgeworth and Mark Craig, third-year medical students and co-chairs of the organizing committee, about the tournament, its history, fundraising and plans for the future. Learn more in the following Q&A.
How did the Medicine Cup Charity Tournament get its start?
The tournament was started 16 years ago, organized by a group of UAlberta medical students looking to create a way to build camaraderie while also benefiting local charity.
Has there always been a charitable aspect to the tournament?
Yes, from Day 1. Originally, money was raised for the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation, however we switched our charity of choice to Little Warriors six years ago. We have had a great relationship with both charities and are excited to continue to grow our relationship with Little Warriors for years to come.
How many skaters took part this year?
There were 207 players in total, playing on the eight teams registered in the competitive division, 10 in recreational, and five in the women's division. Ten of the teams were made entirely of students from the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, and four teams consisted of students from other faculties on campus.
Visit our Facebook page to see more photos (credit: Nic Gibson (2nd year MD student), Jordan Carson (staff).
How much was raised in support of Little Warriors in 2019, what are your goals for 2020, and how will these funds be used to support Little Warriors?
In 2019, we were proud to raise $24,750 for Little Warriors, bringing the total raised in the tournament's history to over $150,000. We hope to have raised even more this year. The funds raised support many aspects of their programming, but mainly the camp program, which takes place at the Be Brave Ranch. A multidisciplinary team works with the children who attend the camp, bringing them through a rehabilitation program that has been shown to reduce the occurrence of PTSD by approximately 50 per cent. Funds also support the Prevent It! workshop, which helps to educate and empower adults in preventing and stopping child sexual abuse.
What has been the response of medical students who have taken part in the tournament?
The MCCT is a highlight for many students, and has become a big part of their med school experience. It's always a really fun weekend, building camaraderie and some healthy competition between students from different years of study. All in all, it's an awesome time! The entire committee really believes in supporting Little Warriors and everyone involved stands by that sentiment.
Can anyone participate in the tournament by volunteering, donating or playing?
Absolutely, yes. Anyone can visit our website at medicinecup.org to offer support. Team registration opens in late November, and volunteers are always welcome to help with the operation of the tournament. Ways to support the cause aren't limited to the one weekend of play; we also take part in 50/50 nights at Oil Kings hockey games throughout the year, which volunteers are welcome to join. We can be contacted via our website or email (mcctcoordinator@gmail.com).
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Supporting Little Warriors
As an organization that receives no government funding, Little Warriors relies on the ongoing generosity of compassionate donors. Donations are urgently needed in order to continue to protect children from sexual abuse and to provide treatment and support to children and families at the Be Brave Ranch.
Donate to Little Warriors.
Support the Prevent It! Workshop.
Support the Be Brave Ranch.