Who We Are
At the heart of the GlaKam Foundation is a shared belief: hockey has the power to transform lives, bridge cultures, and create opportunities.
The Kamau Family
From Kenya to the Heart of Hockey:
In the early 2000s’, the Kamau family emigrated from Kenya to Minnesota, a state often referred to as the “State of Hockey.”
Initially unfamiliar with the sport, they quickly embraced hockey when their children began participating in local leagues like Osseo and Anoka Youth Hockey.
The Kamau family’s story is one of discovery and passion—a testament to hockey’s ability to bring families and communities together.
Their journey inspired a broader mission: to bring the transformative power of hockey to Africa, where a young, dynamic population is eager to embrace the sport.
Stephan Haefliger’s Journey
A Legacy of Hockey and Community
Stephan was born and raised in Switzerland. Being raised by a single mother, money was tight and ice hockey was out of the question.
It wasn’t until a random stranger approached him on his way to a street hockey game with friends in the neighborhood, when everything changed.
The generous millionaire funded Stephan’s hockey at the young age of 11 and helped make his dream come true.
Fast forward to today, Stephan has played in Switzerland, Canada and now in his home in Tampa, FL.
He plays forward and goalie and even his youngest daughter has started to play as well.
He is eager to help spread the values that hockey teaches to children in Africa, helping them learn and love the game as much as he has since his childhood years.
Our Mission
To use hockey as a tool to create opportunities, foster inclusion, and empower youth globally, with a focus on introducing and growing the sport in Africa.
Our Vision
To create a future where every African child has the opportunity to play hockey, develop life skills, and thrive in an environment that fosters unity, hope, and personal growth.
Through our programs, we aim to inspire young minds, build strong communities, and empower the next generation of leaders.
GlaKam Hockey Foundation: Growing the Sport in Africa
The GlaKam Hockey Foundation is on a mission to inspire and foster the growth of ice hockey across Africa. Recognizing the sport’s infancy in the region, the Foundation is committed to working hand-in-hand with nations currently exploring or establishing ice hockey programs, as well as those yet to begin this journey.
Ice hockey in Africa is still developing, with many countries having little to no infrastructure or official teams. This early stage of the sport’s presence provides an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The Foundation aims to bridge the gap by providing essential resources, equipment, and expertise to nurture local talent and establish a sustainable framework for growth. For more insights into the current state of the sport in Africa, you can read more about Ice hockey in Africa by clicking HERE.
Through partnerships with emerging hockey communities in countries such as Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Tunisia and South Africa, GlaKam Hockey Foundation envisions creating a vibrant ecosystem that supports players, coaches, and enthusiasts. Beyond these nations, the Foundation is determined to extend its reach, bringing the joy and excitement of ice hockey to new territories across the continent.
Central to GlaKam’s efforts is its shipment initiative—a program designed to deliver much-needed equipment, from skates and sticks to protective gear, directly to grassroots programs. This logistical support will empower local communities to build their programs and cultivate a love for the game among youth and aspiring athletes.
By laying the foundation today, the GlaKam Hockey Foundation is committed to a future where ice hockey is a celebrated and thriving sport across Africa, uniting people through the universal values of teamwork, discipline, and passion
What we stand for
- Empowerment through Sports: Providing tools, training, and resources for children to thrive both on and off the ice.
- Global Unity: Breaking barriers and fostering cultural exchange through the universal language of sports.
- Inclusion and Accessibility: Ensuring that hockey is a sport for everyone, regardless of geography or background.
Get Involved
Explore how you can be part of the movement:
Donate Hockey Gear: Drop-off centers are available in Minnesota and Florida.
Support Our Programs: Sponsor scholarships, training camps, or rink-building initiatives.
Buy Merchandise: Every purchase of GlaKam-branded t-shirts, mugs, and hockey jerseys directly supports our mission.
Volunteer: Join our team as a mentor, coach, or logistics partner.
For a deeper connection with our founders, check out our Interview Corner, where Stephan Haefliger and the Kamau family share their personal journeys and vision for the foundation.
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