CCAA Torchbearers Award

Story courtesy of Brandon Stone - CCAA Athletics

Upon learning of the generational impacts of the Rwandan Genocide, Shea Battie initiated a campaign to unite communities and youth through sport. For helping build peace through play, Battie is a 2022-23 recipient of the CCAA Torchbearer Scholarship, presented by Hudl.

Battie, of Ladysmith, British Columbia, is majoring in Kinesiology at Vancouver Island University (VIU) in Nanaimo, BC. She is a fifth-year winger on the Mariner’s Women’s Soccer team.

Battie’s international initiative began following a connection with Journey House Actions Rwanda (JHA), a non-profit program based in Gashora, with whom she coordinated the ‘Play for Peace’ program. JHA’s long term goal is to build one community among three cultural groups of Rwandans - Hutus, Tutsis, and Twas - who are all still dealing with generational trauma from the 1994 genocide. Battie’s ‘Play for Peace’ campaign collected soccer equipment and financial donations to assist the development of youth soccer programs for these impacted groups in Gashora.

She was introduced to JHA by VIU Kinesiology Professor, Les Malbon.

“Shea’s desire to bring benevolent outcomes to youth through the vehicle of sport and play is impressive,” said Malbon. “The project was diverse and presented numerous logistical operations from start to finish and Shea was the driving force in its success.”

Battie launched the initiative by creating a campaign email, developing a sponsorship package for potential donors, and educating central Vancouver Island athletic, school and community groups via live presentations. She then sourced equipment and uniforms from local and regional soccer clubs, hosted tournaments to raise awareness and donations, engaged her VIU Mariner teammates in the project and arranged the shipment of the proceeds overseas.

“Shea accomplished all this while radiating kindness and compassion and made others aware of the essential importance of universal human rights, economic justice, and international goodwill,” said Malbon.

The ‘Play for Peace’ campaign collected approximately 500 jerseys, 250 pairs each of cleats, socks, shin pads and shorts as well as the money required to ship the gear to Rwanda. Battie hopes the donations enhance the lives of the children in Gashora by providing them with opportunities to connect through soccer and potentially heal their collective trauma.

“Despite a lack of experience leading a project like this, I chose to undertake this initiative because I wanted to support and advance equity for a community in need,” said Battie. “Upon learning more about the Rwandan genocide and its impacts on communities, families, and individuals I felt Journey House Actions’ vision and mission aligned with my own values.”

Battie adds that the experience has enhanced her own personal and professional development as she becomes involved with other charities and pursues a career in Occupational Therapy. She also volunteers with BC’s Hope and Health initiative which engages, educates and empowers Indigenous children and youth in active, playful ways.