Like it did with so many people, the news of Amanda Todd’s suicide and self-published video hit the Lambrick Park Lions senior girls volleyball team hard.
But it’s energized the team to step up and do something to raise anti-bullying awareness.
“It’s good for us to have the conversation. If there’s something we can do for awareness (about bullying), that’s a start, even if it’s small, it’s the power of doing one small thing a day,” said Lions Grade 12 player Kaitie Baker.
To stand out, the young women have embraced neon pink as a symbol. They’ve already started wearing pink socks, pink shoe laces and pink wrist bands during their volleyball games this year, and will continue to do so.
They don’t want to forget about Todd and it’s a small step in the right direction, said coach Chris Koutougous.
“The girls understand that life is too short, and that the connections and bonds that they make with their teammates are important and should never be underestimated.”
“We have this opportunity and we have each other has a safety net,” Baker said. “Whether it’s talking to someone new in the hallways or whatever we can to bridge the gap with those around us.”
The players were also saddened by the loss of Cape Breton Capers collegiate volleyball player Kristen Ryan, 23, who died in a car crash in Nova Scotia on Oct. 11.
“We didn’t know her but (Ryan) was a teammate by way of volleyball, and you feel it,” Koutougus said.
The Lower Island senior girls high school volleyball playoffs, known as the Vic Lindal Cup, begin Tuesday, hosted at Oak Bay High, Vic High and Spectrum community school.
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