varsity news

Durham Lords Media Release
Wednesday April 7, 2010

FROM ONTARIO SHORES – Centre of Mental Health Sciences

Durham Lords visit Ontario Shores

WHITBY, Ont. – Durham College Lords basketball players visited Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) this past month to provide instruction to patients and take part in scrimmage.

Lords’ varsity players Erin Emery, Alicia Del Fuoco, Jessica Newton, Tyler Pelley, Courtney Small, and Tyler McGarrity took patients through a series of drills to teach them the fundamentals of the game and finished the evening with a high-paced scrimmage. Patients showed off their own talents making for a funfilled evening.

“It was a great experience,” said Mark, who participated in the event. “It was fun being able to play with the representatives from the Durham Lords.”

Community and partnerships are fundamental to both Ontario Shores and Durham College. Through partnerships and collaboration the barriers of mental health stigma can be reduced allowing everyone, regardless of illness, to achieve their goals.

"All of our student-athletes have made strong commitments to the local community," said Ken Babcock, Durham College athletic director. "We encourage all of our teams to get involved with community initiatives by lending a helping hand to the neighbourhoods in which they live in."

The Lords also donated basketballs which were handed out to patients during a draw.

Photo caption: Durham Lords Tyler McGarrity works with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences patients during a skills and scrimmage event

About Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences:
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) is a leader in mental health care, providing a spectrum of specialized assessment and treatment services for people living with complex mental illness. Patients benefit from a recovery-oriented environment of care, built on compassion, inspiration and hope. Ontario Shores engages in research, education and advocacy initiatives to advance the mental health care system.



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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Dennis
Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator
Durham College and UOIT Athletics
905.721.2000 Ext. 2784 (P)
905.721.3117 (F)
scott.dennis@dc-uoit.ca