About Project Hope
Cultural Exchange
By working closely with local and provincial officials in the cities of Harbin and Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, China, the New York Islanders have embarked upon an un-precedented multi-faceted educations iniviative that will undoubtedly change the lives of young athletes forever: The Charles B. Wang Ice Hockey Project Hope
The ultimate goal of Project Hope is simple: To provide young Chinese athletes with access to educational opportunities.
Project Hope will endeavor to create opportunities for cultural exchange through international youth hockey events and by promoting Project Hope scholarship placements in the United States
Learning the Language
Project Hope begins by enrolling Chinese scholar-athletes in New York Islanders-affiliated youth hockey programs in and around Heilongjiang Province. Once enrolled, the students must study English as part of their regular curriculum with a goal of achieving fluency in both written and conversational english.
To demonstrate a developing English language competency, students will undergo age appropriate assesments/examinations on a regular basis. Once the students have achieved fluency, they will be eligible to apply for a Project Hope scholarship to continue their education at a high school in the United States.
A Bonding Experience
Players break cultural barriers to form new friendships at the Lighthouse International Tournament, presented by Modell's Sporting Goods, KyLinTV and Marriott
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After just a few short days, participants in the Lighthouse International Tournament, presented by Modell's Sporting Goods, KyLinTV and Marriott, have started to create meaningful relationships off the ice.
With thousands of miles and different languages as barriers, the Chinese, American, Finnish and Japanese kids are starting to realize that their differences are not too difficult to overcome. With hockey and youth as a common bond, the Lighthouse International Tournament is creating new friendships.
While Harbin was battling Suffolk at Cantiague arena on Friday afternoon, members of the Nassau County squad who had already played their final preliminary game at Islanders Iceworks came to support the two teams. What was most surprising was that whenever Harbin scored, the Nassau kids cheered. When asked why they were rooting for Harbin, forward Michael Walker replied: "Because they're cool. They're nice."
The two teams had bonded on Thursday after their game at Islanders Iceworks. While communicating was clearly a problem, the two teams used sign language and translators to make that issue merely a minor detail.
"We are opponents on the ice with the other teams, but off the ice we are friends," said Teng Jin Long. "We want to learn English better so we can talk to the other kids better.
Also cheering on the Harbin team was Qiqihar, despite the teams being bitter rivals on the ice back in China. Throughout the game, the Qiqihar kids would shout "Get a goal Harbin" in their native language.
Perhaps the greatest venue for cross-cultural bonding has been at the Marriott, where all of the international kids are staying. In between games and at night, members of different teams have been seen strolling around the halls together and hanging out in each other's room. The Finnish and Japanese members have become particularly close and have cultivated new friendships. The teams have a few more days to continue to bond.
Today, the Medal Round will take place at the Nassau Coliseum, beginning at 1 pm. The fifth-place game will pit Harbin versus Japan. At 2 pm, Ilves and New York City meet in the third-place game and at 3 pm, Qiqihar and Nassau face in the first-place game.
As an added sign of sportsmanship, all teams will be in the Coliseum stands cheering on their counterparts. Whether teams finish in first or eighth, they will all participate in the awards ceremony at 4 pm, following the championship game.
CHINA, JAPAN AND FINLAND TAKE IN NETS GAME
As an added bonus to their trip to America, the teams from China, Japan and Finland traveled to East Rutherford, New Jersey, to watch the New Jersey Nets take on the Washington Wizards on Friday night.
The buses took the children from Uniondale and made a special detour through Times Square on the way to the game. This was the first time many of the kids had the opportunity to see the bright lights of New York City.
The basketball game was also the first for nearly every one of the international guests. The Chinese kids were particularly excited to watch the game because fellow countryman Yi Jianlian is a member of the Nets.
Following the game, Yi met with the Chinese contingent. One Chinese youngster asked Yi if he had played any hockey. Yi responded by saying he hadn't. Yi signed autographs and took pictures with the Chinese kids, coaches and delegates who were very excited to meet the NBA star.
| © 2012 Project Hope |