To recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Montague – Mount Hamilton Goodwill Games, a new scholarship has been established, in honour of Mary & Reg Hennebery, to be awarded annually. The inaugural scholarship will be awarded in the fall of 2018.
The Montague – Mount Hamilton Goodwill Games Scholarship will be awarded to a post-secondary student who played in the Goodwill Games as a member of the Montague Minor Hockey Association team.
Mary Hennebery co-founded the Goodwill Games with her brother Ernie McKenna. The Hennebery family have established an endowment with a generous donation and have graciously offered others the opportunity to contribute to this fund. All donations are eligible for a charitable tax receipt. There will be at least one $500 scholarship awarded annually.
The story of the Goodwill Games’ origin is re-told in March of each year in Montague and Hamilton. Although living and working in Hamilton, Ernie McKenna, originally from Greenfield, loved PEI. In 1969 he contacted Mary who lived in New Perth to see if she could arrange some exhibition games in PEI for the Pee Wee team that he was coaching. After a few phone calls and discussions, arrangements were made for the Mount Hamilton Pee Wee Team (fondly called Ernie and his Islanders) to travel to Montague to play hockey, stay with families and experience the PEI way of life and hospitality. The Hamilton team had such a good time and wanting to reciprocate the Island generosity, they offered to host the Montague team the following year. This remarkable exchange continues today with the Montague team having travelled to Hamilton in March of this year to mark 50 years of friendship, fun and sportsmanship for players, coaches and families.
“It is an ideal way to remember our mom and dad” said Teresa Hennebery. “Our parents valued their involvement in the Goodwill Games and made many great friends over the years. Mom and Dad would be honored that we established this endowment to support young people who played in the Goodwill Games who are pursuing post-secondary education.”
Mike Annear was a player, volunteer and coach in the Goodwill Games for many years. “Mary and Reg were tremendous supporters of this special event and were instrumental in establishing the Goodwill Games. The 50th anniversary is a testament to the value of this tournament and it is a fantastic legacy to know the Goodwill Games Scholarship is now available”.
This scholarship is also a tribute to others who were integral in establishing and supporting the long-term success of the Goodwill Games. Teresa commented that “Mom would want us to recognize the efforts of several people, including Dick Campbell, Ralph Beck, Dick MacLean, Harry Annear and Mike Annear”.
Kent Hudson, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of PEI commented, “We are truly honoured to assist the Hennebery family to establish this endowment. When we are able to assist donors with their passions, it is very rewarding. This truly is a gift that will keep on giving forever.”
Individuals who are interested in contributing to the fund can contact the Community Foundation of PEI at 902-892-3440 or can contribute online by visiting www.cfpei.ca/donate and click on the Goodwill Games link.
Application Process Now Open
Individuals interested in applying for the scholarship can visit the Community Foundation of PEI website at https://cfpei.ca/applications/scholarship-applications/. Applications are now being accepted until September 30th and the scholarship will be awarded by October 31st. Individuals can also contact the Foundation directly at [email protected] or by phone at 902-892-3440.
