Just over a year since the loss of Gary Kelly, the Gary Kelly “Dream Big” Foundation is being established as a Scottish charity, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations of young athletes.
Gary Kelly was much more than an outstanding ice hockey player. He was a teammate, mentor and friend who inspired everyone fortunate enough to know him. Always striving to improve, Gary was equally passionate about helping others achieve their potential, giving his time freely to encourage and support younger players.
At just 19 years old, Gary was beginning his own journey towards professional ice hockey. He understood the commitment, dedication and sacrifice required to reach the next level, and believed every young player should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of their circumstances.
Those values and Gary’s huge personality are the inspiration behind the Gary Kelly “Dream Big” Foundation.
The Gary Kelly “Dream Big” Foundation is being established as a Scottish charity dedicated to supporting young players in pursuing their dreams of becoming elite athletes.
Through grants for players who have secured a place on an elite player pathway within the United Kingdom, the Foundation aims to reduce the financial barriers associated with advanced training, travel and player development.
Every athlete’s journey is different, but the challenges are often the same. Travel, coaching, equipment and development opportunities can place significant financial demands on young players and their families. The Foundation is being created to help ease those pressures, ensuring talented athletes have the opportunity to progress based on their ability and commitment.
By investing in young athletes at a crucial stage in their careers, the Foundation will continue Gary’s passion for supporting others and ensure his legacy lives on through the opportunities it creates.
undraising for the Gary Kelly “Dream Big” Foundation will begin with a special event hosted by Aberdeen Lynx, with all proceeds going directly to the Foundation.
The Lynx had originally planned to launch the Foundation’s fundraising through the club’s annual Alumni Charity Game ahead of the new season. However, due to the extended maintenance schedule at Aberdeen Linx Ice Arena, the game was unable to go ahead as planned. Further fundraising plans will be announced in due course.
Instead, the Lynx players will swap the ice for a battle of the brains at the Lynx Face-Off Quiz, a fun evening where teams of players will go head-to-head, battling it out through a series of quiz rounds to see who will earn the bragging rights and be crowned Top Cat.
Supporters can come along and watch the competition unfold, with tickets available for the evening. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Gary Kelly “Dream Big” Foundation, helping support young athletes pursuing elite player pathways and creating opportunities for them to follow their sporting ambitions.
The Alumni Charity Game remains something Aberdeen Lynx hopes to rearrange at a later date.
We also hope clubs, organisations and communities will choose to support the Foundation through their own charity games, fundraising events and initiatives, helping us build a lasting legacy in Gary’s name and giving young athletes the opportunity to dream big.
