Hi! My name is Chanel. I am 21 years old, I was born and raised in Dorchester, Massachusetts. I am a rising Senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. If you haven’t seen my work before, I’d like to inform you, I was born with a genetic disability called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, and have utilized a power wheelchair since I was three years old.
To give you an idea of who I am, I wear a bracelet that says: “though she be but little, she is fierce”. I try to live by that sentiment everyday.
I love a wild sport called hockey. I’ve had a strange relationship with sports in general. I grew up watching my brothers play in their youth but I never really enjoyed them personally.
Over the years I found myself watching New England based sports. The sport that won me over the most was hockey. It took me a few years to really get into it but somewhere along the way, I found myself planning my homework schedule around puck drop.
Although this is a difficult time for everyone, I have become completely inspired and motivated to change the world of professional sports. I am currently unemployed and am not eligible for a stimulus check. That being said, I am a free agent, and I am ready to do meaningful work.
The following is an open letter to the league I am completely invested in, the National Hockey League. I am young, I am still in school, but I am ready to change the future of sports!
To Whom This May Concern,
I hope this message finds you healthy and well! As you can tell, I am an avid hockey fan. I devote a fair amount of time, money, and tears into this sport that I love so damn much.
I am writing this letter to you a bit nervous, as I don’t really know if anyone out there is actually listening. Though I feel I bring a lot to the table, I realize I have a lot of things “stacked against me”: my age, location, financial status, etc. In life, I do my best to refrain from asking for much if I can help it, especially if the issues at hand are not easy to fix.
I can’t help it anymore.
I am not asking for a one-day “Make-a-Wish” style contract. I am asking for a job or a career. If I am being honest, I have a lot to bring to the table. One of the many things I represent is the fan experience, the disabled one at that. Like I said, I love this game, a little too much at times. I love the message of unity this sport loves to preach. Too many times, though, there were opportunities for authentic change, but instead I’ve seen the easier road chosen.
The job I would love to provide to the NHL clubs is real life insight into accessibility and how we can achieve it within the league. I know this seems like a bit of an afterthought or something not thought of at all. It’s quite easy to dismiss. So easy, in fact, that I write this letter today.
I want to help the National Hockey League finally show that they are dedicated to taking steps to be more inclusive. More importantly, that the NHL will show us that they are willing to make hockey more accessible in all areas possible.
I am having a lot of conversations with other disabled creators and athletes who are in my circle. Our most common and greatest wish is to be seen, heard, and championed as both consumers and humans.
In my dream scenario, I would love to become an ‘intersectionality consultant’ with the National Hockey League. I see this amazing league as having untapped potential, if they truly open their hearts and minds. I would love to be someone who can help with ADA seating options, building access, bathroom accessibility, elevator access, you name it.
My life experiences bring a unique perspective to the table as far as thinking of things that aren’t on the forefront of an organization’s minds.
I would love to do the work that shows disabled fans of this sport that their favorite teams not only SEE them, but welcome their existence through change.
I have a lot of ideas and challenges the National Hockey League could easily start a conversation about. In my opinion, none of these topics will truly be uncomfortable to address. All it takes is for someone to take the time to listen. I really hope someone is.
It would be an honor and a privilege to help make this league the playbook for all major league sports.
I have a lot of life to live and who knows where I am heading. But in my heart, I know I was meant to change the future of the sport that I love. In my humble opinion, I would be an invaluable asset to the National Hockey League, or anywhere that seeks to bring a positive experience for the disabled fans.
