About Sam Jacks
Pioneer of Ringette and Recreation Director
Our Namesake
Our foundation is named in honor of Samuel Perry "Sam" Jacks (April 23, 1915 – May 14, 1975), a remarkable Canadian inventor and recreation director who dedicated his life to creating opportunities for others through sports and recreation.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Sam Jacks immigrated to Canada in 1920 and became a Canadian citizen. His innovative spirit and commitment to inclusion made him a natural choice as the namesake for our foundation, which shares his vision of creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.
His Contributions
Floor Hockey (1936)
At just 21 years old, Sam Jacks codified the first set of rules for organized floor hockey, creating a game designed for youths to play in gymnasiums. This innovation made hockey accessible to those who didn't have access to ice rinks.
Ringette (1963)
While serving as the Director of Parks and Recreation for North Bay, Ontario, Sam Jacks invented ringette—a winter team sport specifically designed for girls. This groundbreaking creation provided opportunities for young women in sports at a time when such opportunities were limited.
Military Service
Sam Jacks served in the Canadian Armed Forces during World War II from 1940 to 1945, demonstrating his commitment to serving his community and country.
His Legacy
Sam Jacks's legacy extends far beyond the sports he created. His work demonstrated a profound understanding that everyone deserves opportunities to participate, regardless of their circumstances or background.
Ringette has grown from a local North Bay sport to an internationally recognized game, with players and teams across Canada, the United States, Finland, Sweden, and other countries. The sport continues to provide opportunities for girls and women in athletics.
Sam Jacks's contributions have been recognized with posthumous inductions into:
- The Canadian Sports Hall of Fame (2007)
- The North Bay Sports Hall of Fame (1982)
Why We Honor Sam Jacks
A Shared Vision of Inclusion and Opportunity
Sam Jacks's life work aligns perfectly with our foundation's mission. Just as he created ringette to provide opportunities for girls in sports, we provide coding and business education to disabled adults—another group that has historically faced barriers to participation.
His innovative approach to making sports accessible—whether through floor hockey for those without ice rinks, or ringette for girls—demonstrates the same creative problem-solving and commitment to inclusion that drives our educational programs.
By naming our foundation after Sam Jacks, we honor his legacy while committing ourselves to the same principles: creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential.
Learn More
Sam Jacks's legacy continues to inspire us every day as we work to create opportunities for disabled adults through education.
Learn About Our Foundation