Pep rally kicks off Score for NEO Kids

Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School held a pep rally this morning for Score for NEO Kids, a ball hockey tournament that empowers kids to help kids in the community.

Score for NEO Kids raises funds to support Health Sciences North’s North Eastern Ontario Health Centre for Kids (NEO Kids).

One of the speakers for the event, Jessica Grenier is a parent who has recieved ongoing care at NEO Kids.

"My son has been with Neo Kids for seven years," said Grenier. "I'm here to represent parents, tell my story and share our amazing experience at NEO Kids."

The gymnasium was filled with students in school colours, rallying and learning about the launch of the tournament.

The one-day event will be held May 2, and is open to children ages four to 16. Each participant must pledge at least $75 to play.

Lo-Ellen principal Craig Runciman was thrilled to kick off the first annual event.

"We wanted a way to give back to the community, and we felt that kids supporting kids is a great idea and even better way to get involved," said Runciman

NEO Kids is designed to be a state-of-the-art facility, that allows for efficient, high quality and timely local pediatric services. The future plans for development and construction of the facility will allow for specialized services like an adolescent health clinic, pediatric special procedures, mental health, eating disorder Programs, and a late effects clinic for long-term follow up of cancer patents.

Teams can register by April 24 at scoreforneokids.ca.