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November 27, 2001 MPI
and MJHL team up for road safety The arrival of hockey season signals a busy time for thousands of Manitobans who jump into their vehicles and head off to the local hockey rink. With an ongoing commitment to road safety, Manitoba Public Insurance and the Manitoba Junior Hockey League have partnered to launch 'Arrive Alive'; a unique safety awareness campaign designed for both the hockey crowd and Manitoba students. The 'Arrive Alive' campaign will incorporate a number of safety messages with a strong emphasis on discouraging impaired driving. Speeding/aggressive driving and driving while fatigued are also discouraged while the use of seatbelts and driving sensibly during our severe winters is encouraged. "MPI is committed to road safety as part of life-long learning," said MPI's Vice-President of Public Affairs, John Douglas "The very nature of this partnership seemed a natural fit. Hockey participants and spectators are a very important audience for this campaign. Many families, coaches, players and fans spend hours on the road driving to and from games around the province. The other, equally important audience, is students - young people who are on the verge of a lifetime of driving and who are already being pressed to make some tough decisions about drinking, drugs and high risk behaviour. Having these messages delivered by junior hockey players in their communities is a unique initiative that will carry a lot of weight with young people. Schools interested in booking a presentation can do so by calling the MPI Speakers Bureau at 985-7065. MJHL in the Community The MJHL has had a community presence for more than 80 years. The 12-team league has franchises based throughout Manitoba - as far north as The Pas area (OCN Blizzard), and south to Winkler (Winkler Flyers). The 'Arrive Alive' campaign Includes highly visible rink board advertising and posters at MJHL arenas. Fans attending games will also hear 'Arrive Alive' public address announcements promoting safe driving. Ensuring young hockey fans receive the 'Arrive Alive' message, MJHL players will also visit middle schools in their respective communities to deliver a road safety presentation which will include the showing of a video and discussion sessions. "This partnership is a win-win situation for MPI and the MJHL," said Frank McKinnon, MJHL Commissioner. "Our fans' safety is very important to each and every MJHL team. No one wants to see anyone injured or killed in an automobile crash." Community involvement is a major focus of both MPI and the MJHL, who also announce the creation of a joint Community Service Award which enables teams to recognize players who have provided exemplary service to their community while maintaining a high level of play on the ice. Award winners will be recognized on the league and team web sites, in press releases and at local and league banquets. "Improving the MJHL's profile within the province, and promoting road safety are achievable goals through this partnership," said McKinnon. "I know that all the teams are looking forward to going into their communities to promote safety, and of course hockey." Contact:
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