The PEI Rocket players and staff, along with Crime Stoppers, started a series of school visits today to speak on Anti-Bullying.  The campaign kicked off with a visit to Summerside Intermediate School and École Francois-Buote. Over the next several weeks Rocket players and staff will visit numerous English and French Language Schools throughout the island to deliver the message of how much bullying effects today's students and what can be done to eliminate it.

The school visits are in conjunction with an awareness campaign video contest launched by PEI Crime Stoppers, partnering with the English and French Language School Boards, and contest sponsors ADL and the PEI Rocket. The contest will be open to all Grade 7, 8 and 9 students on PEI.  Students are asked to produce an original video, no longer than 30 seconds containing an anti-bullying message.  The winning videos will be announced and shown at the Rocket's home game Febraury 24th versus Cape Breton.  This game will also feature a "Pink Shirt Day" theme.  All entries will be receiving 4 free tickets to this game. 

"The PEI Rocket are excited about being a part of this initiative.  We recognize the devestating impact bullying can have on today's youth!  We are proud to be playing a part in trying to stop it and our guys are looking forward to sharing their message to students across PEI.  We look forward to showing the winning video at our future games to ensure the message continues," said Trent Birt VP of Operations.

Crime Stoppers Coordinator Phil Pitts said, "We are hoping that by working with the students and schools we can raise awareness of bullying.  We believe by raising this awareness all students will be more comfortable and confident in standing up for themselves, supporting others and knowing that there is help and support for them if they are victims of bullying.  They certainly do not stand alone and the involvement of the school boards, ADL and the PEI Rocket Hockey Club and players is indicative of this support."

Full contest details can be found on the PEI Crime Stoppers website: www.peicrimestoppers.com