Be a medical isotopes superhero with NII at Hockey Day in Canada

Hands-on learning exhibit coming to this year’s event in Owen Sound

What does jumping into a ball pit have to do with the fight against cancer? This Saturday, visitors to the Hockey Day in Canada event in Owen Sound will find out. All ages are invited to suit up and dive into the Nuclear Innovation Institute’s (NII) ball pit to explore the lifesaving medical isotopes created by companies in this area.

Sponsored by Bruce Power at this event, the hands-on learning exhibit contains 6,000+ balls, which represent cells in the human body. Guests put on a vest and become the medical isotope Lutetium-177, then try to find and eliminate as many dangerous “cancer cells” as possible.

A young girl searches out “cancer cells” in the NII ball pit as she learns more about the medical isotopes produced here in the Clean Energy Frontier region.

The balls representing cancerous cells are magnetized, whereas those representing healthy cells aren't—so the cancer cells stick to the vest just like medical isotopes seek out cancer during radiation treatment.

Here in the Clean Energy Frontier region, Bruce Power creates Lutetium-177 and other isotopes used for everything from diagnosing and treating cancer to sterilizing medical devices and equipment, sending these lifesaving materials worldwide.

“We’re excited for people to learn more about the cancer-fighting medical isotopes that Bruce Power and its partners produce right here in Bruce County," said John Peevers, Bruce Power’s Director of Community & Media Relations, & Economic Development. "The Nuclear Innovation Institute has created a fun and interactive method of teaching people about the innovative way Bruce Power produces Lutetium-177 through our first-of-a-kind Isotope Production System.”

“The ball pit is an engaging way to visualize the complex concept of medical isotopes, while also showcasing the lifesaving contributions NII’s Founding Members are making to the fight against cancer,” said Bruce Wallace, NII President and CEO. “We’re pleased to bring these big ideas and learning opportunities to Hockey Day in Canada.”

Find the NII team at the Hockey Day in Canada event this Saturday, January 21 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm in Owen Sound’s Harrison Park.