Cree Nation football campers en route to capital this weekend

October 26, 2005 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Ottawa Renegades News Release


OTTAWA - During the Renegades' bye week in August, two Ottawa coaches and a number of players travelled to Mistissini, Quebec for the second annual Cree Nation-Renegades All-Star 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 approximately 150 students, and over 50 volunteers, for the contest against the Montreal Alouettes.

The return visit was sparked by the remarkable relationship built by Renegades head coach Joe Paopao, offensive coordinator Kani Kauahi and seven different Ottawa players over the last two years. In 2004, former Ottawa linebacker Michael Gholar and past third-string quarterback Tyler Paopao travelled to Mistissini to take part in the camp. This past summer it was Renegades linebackers Jason Kralt and Martin Gagnon, receiver David Azzi, as well as defensive linemen Adrian Baird and Ray Jacobs who made the trip to be with the people in the Quebec community. The group of players and coaches coordinated the camp held for native youth in a region dealing with challenges of substance abuse, suicide, hopelessness and family dysfunction.

"The camp in the summer was, once again 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. "We came last year for a game after the visit and the kids enjoyed it so much. It was one of the highlights of the year for so many of these kids. After the positive and cultural experience last time, we knew we had to do it again."

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."

While in Ottawa, the group will visit the campuses of both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. They will also be visiting the A Channel television station and make an appearance on the airwaves on Friday night (October 28) at 6 p.m. The next day, the children will have a lunch at the stadium and have a post-game dinner (Salons A and B at Lansdowne Park) with members of the team, beginning at 7 p.m. They will also 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."

MEDIA NOTE/AVAILABILITY: Mr. Gordon Hudson will be attending the Renegades' walk-through practice at Frank Clair Stadium on Friday, October 28 at 9:30 a.m. to discuss the events surrounding the visit of the group from Mistissini, Quebec.

Media availability with the group is available at the following events this weekend:

- Friday, October 28: A Channel television station, 6 p.m.

- Saturday, October 29: Renegades vs Alouettes, 3 p.m. Group is sitting in section G (north stands), rows 39-45. Will be introduced on the field at half-time.

- Saturday, October 29: Dinner in Lansdowne Park, Salon A and B, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.



Canadian Football League Stories from October 26, 2005


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