Soccer goals in Ontario will now have to be firmly anchored to the ground, seven years after the death of a young boy crushed by a net.
Dave Mills, of Napanee, the father of teenager Garrett, says he is honored that a new provincial law is named after his son.
Garrett, 15, was playing in a park with his girlfriend and best friend on May 12, 2017. He was having fun doing drills on the unanchored soccer net when the 90-kilogram structure fell on him and ‘killed.
The Garrett Legacy Act received Royal Assent last week. It establishes requirements for the safe use of mobile soccer goals used by the public.
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The soccer goal that killed young Garrett Mills was replaced shortly after by another goal, this one firmly anchored to the ground. (Archive photo)
Photo: CBC
Shortly before his death, Garrett had asked his father what a legacy was.
: “When I leave, I want to leave a legacy””,”text”:”After we explained it to him, he stopped for a moment and really thought about it, then he said: ” “When I leave, I want to leave a legacy””}}”>Once we explained it to him, he stopped for a moment and really thought about it, then he said, “When I leave, I want to leave a legacy.”
says his father, Dave Mills.
Four days later, he was no longer there.
More than 40 deaths in North America, most of them children, are attributable to moving soccer goals like the one that killed Garrett Millssaid the Progressive Conservative provincial MP from Hastings—Lennox and AddingtonRic Bresee, who initiated the private bill.
Dave Mills For his part, he said it was a great honor to have his son’s name attached to a law that could save lives.
Garrett would have been, probably most of all, embarrassed by all the attention, but the idea that this law might prevent a similar accident from happening and another child being seriously injured and another family being torn apart, it’s a great feeling
did he declare.
This was the third time that the father tried to pass this bill. Mr. Bresee was pleased that the bill was supported by all parties and that they all cooperated to get it passed before the end of the parliamentary session.
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The Progressive Conservatives had already tried to pass this private bill, like here in 2017, with the help of the Liberals, then in power. (Archive photo)
Photo: Mackenzie Taylor
Soccer is a wonderful sport, that’s obvious.
did he declare. We want to encourage people to enjoy the fresh air, whatever sport they are doing, but we need to ensure people do it safely.
Sports Minister Neil Lumsden must now draw up regulations for the law to come into force. The ministry is working in this direction with sports organizations and manufacturers.
I look forward to making a change that will impact thousands and thousands of young people without them realizing it
did he declare.
Although he is relieved that the law was finally passed, Dave Mills for his part wants to be remembered Garrett for more than just the way he died.
With information from The Canadian Press
