It is a great pleasure for me to welcome parents, family members and all caregivers of our children to the Chevrolet Safe and Fun Hockey program. Over the past several years I've had the honour of working with some outstanding people across Canada in developing the Chevrolet Safe and Fun Hockey initiative. Now, with the addition of the Canadian Hockey Association as a full partner, General Motors of Canada is expanding the Safe and Fun Program. Hockey is a great game, and with Safe and Fun message being delivered to players, coaches and now parents, we intend to keep it that way!

 Hockey has always been about much more than simply winning or losing. As a young player, my parents never pressured me to play, but rather encouraged me to participate so that I might learn lessons about hard work, dedication and leadership. Of course, first and foremost, the game was always fun, and that is what all children should be able to experience from the moment they first lace up their skates to play a game of hockey.

 Parents, support your children, but also be realistic about their abilities and chances of advancement up the hockey ladder. If you are getting a solid effort from your child, and he or she is having fun, you should be happy. At the same time, model the two values that this program teaches to the players, namely, respect and responsibility. When your son or daughter watches you treat coaches and referees with those two thoughts in mind, it helps reinforce what Safe and Fun is all about.

 Congratulations to both General Motors Limited and the Canadian Hockey Association for their active involvement in this very worthwhile program. And best wishes to all players, parents and officials who will be participating in Chevrolet Safe and Fun Hockey in the years to come.

 Yours in hockey,

 Bobby Orr