This article originally appeared in the July/August 2020 issue of the Ontario Medical Review magazine.
by Paul Forrest, OMA Member Relations, Advocacy & Communications
The OMA, in partnership with Conquer COVID-19, held its first-ever “Heroes for Kids” Zoom event, bringing together sports personalities from across Canada to help lift the spirits of members’ children aged five to 12, and to recognize the hard work, dedication and sacrifices that families have had to make as a result of COVID-19.
Hosted by TSN’s legendary broadcaster James Duthie, kids of Ontario doctors were introduced to some of the sports world’s biggest stars!
OMA President Dr. Samantha Hill and Gregg Tilston from Conquer COVID-19* kicked off the July 15 event for the more than 200 attendees.
Celebrity panellists made sure that every child knew just how much they appreciated their parents’ hard work to keep the people of Ontario safe.
This high-energy virtual event also included a chance for a few lucky children – including one named after retired Canadian Olympic figure skating champion Tessa Virtue – to jump on screen and ask questions of their sports heroes.
Panellists representing professional hockey, soccer, football and baseball, as well as sportscasters, sports executives and Olympic medallists, offered an exuberant exchange of inspirational messages and advice on skills development to young sports fans.
Sports hero panelists included:
The OMA would like to acknowledge the generosity of Scotiabank, who donated a free digital movie download as a surprise for each family as an additional token of thanks for all they do.
View video highlights of the event.
* Conquer COVID-19 is comprised of physicians, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and other volunteers who are working together to ensure frontline workers responsible for the health and well-being of Canadians have access to masks, gloves, and other supplies that are essential in treating patients and minimizing the spread of the virus.
OMA President Dr. Samantha Hill and Gregg Tilston from Conquer COVID-19.
(Top) James Duthie, Kevin Bieksa, Dallas Eakins and (bottom) Kim St-Pierre talk about doctors’ bravery during the pandemic.
(Top) James Duthie, Anthony Stewart, Natalie Spooner and (bottom) Logan Couture discuss what it takes to make it in professional hockey.
(Top) Jamie Campbell, Pat Hentgen, Michael “Pinball” Clemons and (bottom) James Duthie share a laugh over Pat’s rookie card.
Top) James Duthie, Christine Simpson and (bottom) Tessa Virtue learn that young Tessa’s namesake is none other than the Canadian figure skating legend!