Ryan Reynolds recently spoke to members of Cobourg Town Council to propose renaming a local arena after Grace Bowen, a young girl who inspired him. Reynolds met Grace in 2014 when he was being inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame. Grace, who had osteosarcoma, the same cancer as Terry Fox, passed away a few months later. Reynolds was moved by Grace’s strength and positivity despite battling a serious illness. This encounter with Grace motivated Reynolds to launch the Ugly Sweater campaign, which raises funds for Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. Sick Kids is commemorating its 150th anniversary by recognizing significant moments, including Reynolds’ meeting with Grace in 2014. There is a display dedicated to Grace at the Pond Arena in Cobourg.
During his meeting with the council, Reynolds shared how important hockey was to Grace, referring to the Pond Arena as her temple. Her dedication to the sport and her positive attitude left a lasting impact on Reynolds, prompting him to suggest renaming the arena after her. Reynolds spoke with Grace’s father, and together they came up with the idea. Following their presentation to the council during a committee meeting, members unanimously supported the proposal to rename the arena in honor of Grace. The final decision will be made at a full council vote on April 30. Reynolds sees this as a way to pay tribute to Grace’s memory and the impact she had on his life.
Grace’s battle with cancer and her unwavering spirit touched Reynolds deeply, leading him to take action to honor her memory. The Ugly Sweater campaign, inspired by Grace’s strength, has raised funds for Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, enabling them to continue their vital work. Reynolds was drawn to Grace’s sense of calm and well-being despite facing immense challenges, inspiring him to use his platform to make a positive impact. The display at the Pond Arena in Cobourg stands as a testament to Grace’s resilience and the legacy she left behind.
The proposal to rename the Pond Arena in Cobourg in honor of Grace Bowen has garnered unanimous support from the members of the town council. Reynolds’ heartfelt tribute to Grace’s memory and the impact she had on his life resonated with the council members, who saw the renaming as a fitting way to honor her legacy. The arena, described by Reynolds as Grace’s temple and church, held significant importance in Grace’s life, as hockey was her passion. The decision to rename the arena will be finalized at a council vote on April 30, marking a meaningful gesture to remember Grace and the inspiration she provided to those around her.
The enduring impact of Grace Bowen on Ryan Reynolds and the community of Cobourg is evident in the proposal to rename the Pond Arena in her honor. Grace’s remarkable strength and spirit in the face of adversity inspired Reynolds to launch a fundraising campaign for Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, ensuring that her legacy continues to make a difference in the lives of others. Through the proposed renaming of the arena, Grace’s memory will be immortalized, and her love for hockey and her unwavering positivity will continue to inspire all those who visit the arena. The unanimous support from the town council reflects the widespread recognition of Grace’s profound impact and the lasting tribute that renaming the arena symbolizes.
