Cree Nation football campers en route to capital this weekend
Published on October 4, 2004 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Ottawa Renegades News Release
OTTAWA â During the Renegades bye week in August, two Ottawa coaches and a pair of players travelled to Mistissini, Quebec for the Cree Nation Football Camp. This weekend, many of the youth who took part in the three-day event, are travelling from the northern part of their province to the nation's capital, and will attend Saturday's Renegades home game at Frank Clair Stadium free of charge! The Ottawa football club is picking up the tab for the group of 75 students, and over 50 volunteers, for the contest against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The return visit was sparked by the remarkable relationship built by Renegades head coach Joe Paopao, offensive coordinator Kani Kauahi, former Ottawa linebacker Michael Gholar and present third-string quarterback Tyler Paopao with the people in the Quebec community. The four coordinated the camp held for native youth in a region dealing with challenges of substance abuse, suicide, hopelessness and family dysfunction.
"The camp in August was such a success and people are still talking about it here," said Gordon Hudson, the social services manager of the Cree Health Board and camp organizer. "The kids enjoyed it so much and it was such a positive experience that we wanted to come visit Coach Paopao and the Renegades."
As a result, students in the region (pop. 3,200) were given an incentive to not miss school, take part in physical activity and write an essay about their experience at the August football camp (older students) or a small story that was illustrated (younger children): a road trip to Ottawa in October for a tour of the city and to take in a Renegades game at Frank Clair Stadium.
"The students just responded overwhelmingly and there is a real buzz here about the excitement of coming to Ottawa. Not only are the kids and volunteers coming, but a lot of parents are now planning to make the trip," said Hudson. "The messages that the coaches brought to these children on the Mistissini Reserve was, and still is, a life changing experience. Paopao's Pow Wow is the name we have given to this event so, we as a community, may honour the coaches that made the trip and to the Renegades organization."
While in Ottawa, the group will visit the campuses of both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. They will also be visiting the New RO television station and make an appearance on the airwaves on Friday night (October 9) at 6 p.m. That evening, Paopao will greet the youth at the downtown studios. The next day, the Renegades will host a complimentary lunch for their guests (noon in Lansdowne Colisseum building), will then visit City Hall and have dinner with the mayor at 4:30 p.m. before heading to kick-off between Ottawa and Saskatchewan at 7 p.m. They will be featured guests and introduced at half-time at the game.
"Going there and being able to connect with those kids was something special, and this is the least we can do," said Paopao. "It was such an enjoyable experience and we enjoyed doing the camp immensely. They're such good kids and hopefully they enjoy their time here in Ottawa."
Canadian Football League Stories from October 4, 2004
- Deadline this Thursday - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Renegades focus on bulls-eye for Canadian Hearing Society - Ottawa Renegades
- Cree Nation football campers en route to capital this weekend - Ottawa Renegades
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