COMBERMERE – They may be small, but they are no different. That is what the students of George Vanier Catholic School in Combermere saw with their own eyes on November 28.
The Canadian Half Pints basketball team sent three players to the area in order to teach kids one thing: Bullying is not cool.
The Half Pints began the presentation by describing their team, and how just because they are small, some people underestimate their ability to play.
Out of the 5,000 games the team have played, they have only lost 12, and they have managed to go unbeaten for the past 10 years.
There are a total of five women on the team, leaving the remaining 30 players to the men.
The players from the Half Pints presented to three schools in the area: St. Andrew’s Catholic School, St. John Bosco and finally, George Vanier.
Marie Finnerty, principal of George Vanier, said that it is important to start introducing the idea of bullying prevention at a young age because that is when it starts.
This type of exercise is effective due to the simple fact that it gets the children out of the classroom setting, and brings them into a more fun environment. This way, the students will not see it as the usual boring topic, but something that can be taught in a fun and upbeat way.
Jennafur Cassidy, one of the Half Pint players, said that she was affected by bullying at a young age and that getting to the children when they are young is important.
“Hitting home at the same age is very important,” she said. “Teasing and bullying hurts, and there is no reason to do it.”
Joining Cassidy in teaching the children about the negative affects of bullying were Kevin Hyderman and Mourtouzali Mourtouzaliev.
Mourtouzaliev was born and raised in Russia, where he was never allowed to join any teams due to his height. Once he moved to Canada he joined the Half Pints and is considered one of their best players.
Story continues in the December 5 issue of The Valley Gazette.