Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development to honor the organization

The Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation will receive the 2014 Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development Award at Neumann University on Thursday, November 6, at 11:15 a.m. in the campus Mirenda Center.

The Institute Award recognizes individuals and organizations that exhibit strong character through athletics, exemplify spirituality, and embody the good that exists in and through sports. Since its founding by Philadelphia Flyers owner Ed Snider in 2005, Snider Hockey has provided equipment, ice time and experienced coaching at no cost to children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to participate in the great sport of hockey.  More than 3,000 children from Philadelphia, PA and Camden, NJ participate annually.

Beyond exposure to the sport, the foundation sponsors off-ice programs that teach children to value academic and personal development by emphasizing the importance of schoolwork, mutual respect, and good citizenship. The mission of Snider Hockey is “to build lives and unite communities, helping young people to succeed in the game of life.”

“Snider Hockey truly captures the spirit of the Institute Award,” explained Lee DelleMonache, director of the Institute. “The foundation’s work exemplifies our core values by expanding kids’ horizons and nourishing their souls through the game of hockey and the gift of physical play. Their work in the Philadelphia and Camden areas is invaluable to the thousands they have touched, and it is a privilege to recognize every member of the Snider Hockey family for the opportunities they provide to deserving kids.” 

“We are proud to have been able to help develop the hockey skills of many young men and women that have been able to compete at a high level” noted Ed Snider. “I have no doubt that one day a Snider Hockey student will play professionally.  But – even more meaningful to us – are the thousands of youngsters that are learning the importance of staying in school, staying out of trouble with the law, and giving back to society.  These boys and girls will turn out to be productive citizens."

For the first time, the Institute Award will be presented this year in honor of the late Bishop Joseph McFadden. President/CEO Scott Tharp and Chief Operating Officer Jim Britt will accept the award on behalf of Snider Hockey.

Past recipients are Anne Donovan, head coach of the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun and Olympic gold medalist (2013), the Philadelphia Chapter of Coaches vs. Cancer (2012), and Keith Primeau, former captain of the Philadelphia Flyers (2011).

The award presentation is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Institute’s Jeffrey Eisenberg at eisenbej@neumann.edu or 484-840-4703.