Inspiration on the Green
When you spend a day surrounded by athletes who refuse to let barriers hold them back, it is impossible not to come away inspired. At this year’s Metro Detroit Sled Hockey 4th Annual Charity Golf Outing, CRCI had the privilege of joining a community built on determination, teamwork, and hope. Our decision to sponsor this event went far beyond a name on a sign or a logo on a shirt. To us, this event was a reminder that every individual – regardless of physical challenges, deserves a chance to belong, play, and thrive.
What is Metro Detroit Sled Hockey?
Sled hockey is about more than sports. It is about giving both children and adults living with disabilities an opportunity to compete, build lasting friendships, and develop confidence that comes from being part of a team. The Metro Detroit Sled Hockey organization is a non-profit that exists specifically to empower individuals with physical disabilities, providing an environment where everyone can experience the thrills, camaraderie, and teamwork that make hockey so special.
The group’s mission goes far beyond the rink. Metro Detroit Sled Hockey works intentionally to reduce barriers to participation: they offer equipment loans so cost will not stop a new athlete from joining and they provide financial support to help teams travel, train, and grow. Community events and robust advocacy efforts are a central focus. Parents and caregivers routinely describe not just the improvement in physical fitness among their athletes, but also the transformation in social connection and self-esteem. These are invaluable skills that will serve the athletes well beyond the rink! Sled hockey creates a space where athletes learn to overcome challenges, dream big, and work toward both athletic and personal goals, setting them up for success as they grow.
Metro Detroit Sled Hockey hosts programs for a diverse range of ages and abilities. From developmental teams to competitive play, the organization’s supportive structure ensures that athletes receive expert coaching while also gaining life skills and independence. Testimonials from participants show firsthand how the sport impacts lives: athletes gain the confidence to try new things at school, dream of becoming Paralympians, and build deep friendships that stretch far beyond the ice. The group’s vision is clear: to create a hockey community where every athlete truly feels welcomed, empowered, and celebrated for their unique contributions.
You can read more about their mission, programs, and community outreach on their official website.
Why We Believe in this Cause
CRCI has always believed that healing and growth happen best in a supportive community. We have spent decades working alongside families facing life-changing injuries, supporting them with guidance, advocacy, and practical help. Our job is to be an ally: someone who helps navigate the complex realities of insurance, healthcare, and recovery. The heart of our work is empowering people to take control of their lives again.
It’s a privilege we enjoy to support organizations that share this commitment to advocating for others. Metro Detroit Sled Hockey brings people together, gives them the tools to succeed, and celebrates every step of progress – values that mirror our daily mission. By sponsoring the charity golf outing, we are able to give back, raise awareness, and champion a cause that resonates on a deep personal level.
A Day of Laughter, Energy, and Genuine Connection
The golf outing was filled with energy from the very beginning. Volunteers and sponsors gathered as the morning sun crept over the greens. Athletes mingled with supporters, and family members swapped stories with case managers and coaches. It was not unusual to see someone put down their club and hop in a photo with a group of laughing sled hockey players or to find sponsors pausing to hear a parent tell how much the program has changed their child’s life.
One of our favorite photos from the day perfectly sums up why CRCI participates in events like this: a group of athletes grinning ear-to-ear, arms slung over their teammates’ shoulders, and a backdrop filled with sponsors’ banners. Everyone there – families, professionals, volunteers, and athletes – had a reason to be proud.
A Personal Perspective: Inclusion is a Legacy
At CRCI, advocacy has always meant showing up where it counts most. Many of us have personal stories that connect us with the mission of sled hockey. For some, it’s a child who found confidence through adaptive sports. For others, it’s having witnessed the extraordinary resilience of people persevering through new challenges after an injury. Seeing these athletes on the ice and meeting them in person at the outing brought home the reminder that ability is about opportunity. When you surround someone with support, resources, and belief, extraordinary things happen.
Our company is built on the idea that no one should have to face hard times alone. That belief is why we fight for families in hospitals and living rooms, why we push for better policies, and why events like the Metro Detroit Sled Hockey golf outing make us hopeful for the future. Community is what allows people not only to recover, but to grow beyond what they once thought possible.
A Promise for Tomorrow
Being a part of the Metro Detroit Sled Hockey 4th Annual Charity Golf Outing was more than an honor; it was a responsibility. It’s a call to continue building a world where access, support, and encouragement are available to every person who needs them. CRCI remains committed to giving our time, our resources, and our voices to amplify what matters: people, potential, and the power of inclusion.
We’dlike to thank every athlete, parent, coach, and volunteer who poured their heart into making this day a success. Your stories fuel our work, and your achievements remind us why we do what we do.
If you want to learn more about CRCI’s mission, our case management work, or how you can get involved with Metro Detroit Sled Hockey, please contact us at crci.biz. Together, we can move the needle for inclusion, empowerment, and community in Michigan and beyond.