Former NFL stars Colin Kaepernick and Marshawn Lynch are shifting their focus towards promoting diversity and inclusivity in the sport of hockey. They are teaming up with the Hockey Diversity Alliance to organize a road hockey tournament for underprivileged youth in Toronto on August 16, as announced by the alliance. The Hockey Diversity Alliance, comprising current and former NHL players of diverse backgrounds, aims to combat racism in hockey and enhance the accessibility of the sport for disadvantaged youth who may lack the financial means to participate.
This tournament, touted as the biggest BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) youth road hockey event globally, will be free for the 250 young participants. It builds upon the ongoing efforts of the HDA, which provides year-round sports and educational programs, both on and off the ice, for 1,500 registered young players in the Toronto region.
Notable members of the Hockey Diversity Alliance include Nazem Kadri from Calgary and Matt Dumba from Pittsburgh, with former minor league player Akim Aliu serving as the chairperson.