Introduction

An Ottawa ringette team has found itself at the center of controversy after losing support from its club due to a provocative team name. The West Ottawa Ringette Association U19B MacDonald team, popularly referred to as "the Boobies," claims the name is a light-hearted nod to both fun and breast cancer awareness.

Team's Perspective

Team member Tessa Nadarevic explained that the name reflects their bubbly personalities and serves as an uplifting strategy during their challenging games. "We're currently sitting at the bottom of the standings, but it's okay because we play for the love of the game," she stated. The name is also inspired by the Red-Footed Booby, a clumsy seabird, symbolizing the team's lighthearted approach to sport.

Backlash from the Association

However, the team faced unexpected resistance from the West Ottawa Ringette Association (WORA), which deemed the name inappropriate. A concerned parent, Paula MacDonald, relayed the association's reasoning: "They said the term 'booby' could be seen as demeaning." MacDonald argued that the intention behind the name was purely for fun and to promote an important cause.

Consequences of the Controversy

As a consequence of this controversy, the team has lost access to the WORA's logo for merchandise sales and fundraising initiatives, which previously supported breast cancer research. "Without the association's backing, we're left to pursue fundraisers on our own," MacDonald lamented.

WORA's Commitment to Inclusivity

In a statement, WORA emphasized their commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all athletes, highlighting that the name could be perceived inappropriately. "Our priority is to support the development of young athletes while avoiding names that could sexualize or draw undue attention to them," they noted.

Team's Resilience and Commitment

Despite the setbacks, the team members remain resolute. For many, this is a farewell season as they prepare to move on from minor hockey. Nadarevic highlighted her personal connection to the cause, as her mother is a breast cancer survivor. "This initiative means a lot to us. It's our way of giving back to a community that helped my mom and many others," she expressed.

Conclusion

As the debate around the name continues, the team seeks to uphold its spirit and commitment to raising awareness, regardless of the restrictions they face. Will the 'Boobies' find a way to turn this controversy into a powerful statement for their cause? Stay tuned as this story develops!