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Kiara, at ballet practice in a ballet studio with a shiny gold tiara.
Surrounded by ballet barres, mirrors and music, Kiara practiced her dance routine. She began admiring her fluffy skirt, long hair and tiara. Kiara loved her shiny tiara - a gift from her mother, Ms. Sheila. But Kiara dreamed not of ballet, but of swooshing pucks and fast skating that she seen in hockey games. She watched the boys play, her heart yearning to join. Yet, everyone told her hockey wasn't for girls. Girls were supposed to be neat, tidy, and quiet. But no one knew the real potential of a girl with a goal on her mind.
Ms. Sheila, with a supportive smile, listening to Kiara's dream in the car with her.
Ms. Sheila noticed Kiara's sadness after ballet practice that day. She listened as Kiara shared her dream. 'Why not join the hockey team?" asked Ms. Sheila. "You should play any sport you love, no matter what anyone else says!". Kiara's eyes sparkled, feeling a glimmer of hope. Ms.Sheila was always a supporting and helpful mother. Ms.Sheila's smile was radiant and beamed of pride for her daughter pursuing what she truly enjoyed rather than what was expected of her from others.
Coach Max, with an encouraging smile, talking to Kiara at the hockey rink. Kiara is wearing a tiara and has long hair
Kiara met Coach Max, the ice hockey team's coach the next day. She told him about her dream. Coach Max smiled, "Hockey is for everyone who loves the game". Kiara felt a rush of excitement. "But.. can I still wear my tiara?" asked Kiara - her tiara was one of the most important things in her life. "As long as you give your best effort, you can wear whatever makes you happy" replied Coach Max. Kiara was determined to prove just how talented she was to Coach Max and the hockey team - with or without a tiara.
Kiara, in hockey gear and a tiara, falling on the ice but smiling, with Coach Max and the team in the background.
Kiara joined her first hockey practice soon after. It was tough, and she stumbled a lot. But with each fall, she got up stronger. Coach Max and the team cheered her on. Kiara was confused at the warm welcome to her new team. Everyone had told her and her old friends at ballet class that hockey and other sports were meant for rough and tough boys, and were no place for girls. Unlike the others, Kiara was too determined to give up on her dreams - maybe she could prove everyone wrong.
Kiara walking the school hallway with pride
When the other kids in Kiara's school found out that she had joined the hockey team, many had doubted her and said negative things. But, Kiara didn't care. She knew that the things others said about her didn't matter. She was still powerful and determined. She didn't need anyone else's opinion to have fun in her passion.
Kiara, in the midst of a hockey game, skating and scoring a goal.
The day of the big game arrived. Kiara was nervous but excited. She played with all her heart, scoring a crucial goal in the third and final period. The crowd erupted in cheers, amazed by her skill. This moment was her wildest dream coming true. Kiara was a real life ice hockey princess!
Kiara, surrounded by her team, holding a trophy at a hockey game, with a proud smile.
Kiara's team won the game, and she became a hero. Girls and boys congratulated her. "Go Tiara Kiara!" she heard from the crowds. Coach Max said, "You've shown us all that hockey is for everyone and I am so proud of you!". Kiara beamed with pride. She knew that this game would begin to inspire other girls to join any activity they have a passion for - not just joining activities pushed on them by everyone else. Exceptions should not prevent anyone from doing what they love.
Kiara, wearing her tiara over her hockey helmet, at a hockey game.
Kiara continued to shine in hockey, inspiring many. She wore her tiara not to ballet, but to hockey games, a symbol of breaking barriers. Her dream had come true, thanks to her courage and the support of her loved ones. Go Tiara Kiara!