The local football community is gearing up for a day of triple-header action, in support of cancer research with the seventh annual Scott MacDonald Memorial.
The local football community is gearing up for a day of triple-header action, in support of cancer research with the seventh annual Scott MacDonald Memorial.
The event has been put for the past six years in memory of former Bonnyville Voyageur Scott MacDonald, who lost his life to cancer in 2010.
On Sunday, Sept. 16, all three Bonnyville football teams will take to Walsh Field with the collective goal of raising funds and awareness for those suffering with the disease.
First, the Bonnyville Renegades will kick off the day at 2 p.m. where they'll look to impress the local fans in a game that has more meaning than most.
"We'll definitely be coming out as strong as we can to put on a good show. It's a pretty big fundraiser for the community, and Scott personally was one of my family friends. It means a lot to me, and to the team," expressed Renegades head coach Josh Jubinville.
The renegades will warm the field up for the Bonnyville Bandits, who have been eagerly anticipating the event.
Bandits head coach Mickey Fagnan and his group jump at every chance they can to honour MacDonald's memory, and this year's memorial will be no different.
"We want to make Scott's face and life known so people can know what he was all about. We have never lost that root reason for this memorial. He held a special place in people's hearts, and his memory lives on," said Fagnan.
Leading up to the event players have been busy raising money throughout the community. At halftime during the Bandits game, participants will gather to honour their pledge to show their support for MacDonald.
"We're doing a head shaving fundraiser again. They've raised money for the cause and those participating will all shave their heads at halftime during the bantam game," explained Jubinville.
While nearly all of the funds raised will be put towards cancer research, the association will also offer two scholarships on behalf of MacDonald.
"For us to raise money on his behalf, and as part of that contribute to the Scholarship we've created leaves a good legacy for Scott. This year we have two $700 scholarships we're handing out that we're able to offer because of past fundraising," explained Voyageurs head coach Larry Godziuk.
Thanks to the luxury of the lights provided by the new Walsh Field, the Voyageurs will close out the triple-header with a night game beginning at 6 p.m.
For the oldest Bonnyville team, the event hits especially close to home because MacDonald spent his playing days as a Voyageur.
"As much as we have made this an association style event, it originally just started with the Voyageurs. Scott never had the opportunity to play bantam or peewee here. Particularly because he's Voyageurs Alumni, I feel a special connection to the event," expressed Godziuk.
The event provides all three of the team's and their fans the unique opportunity to show their support for each other. Due to each of their current schedules, inter team camaraderie is often hard to come by.
"This is also a very good chance to support all the teams. Right now the teams schedules are split up in such a way that it's hard to support one another. That aspect adds something special," noted Fagnan.
Since the implementation of this event, BAFA has made constant efforts to contribute to finding a cure for cancer.
Each of the three local coaches expressed gratitude for the community's yearly participation in their efforts.
"Pretty much all of benefits financial or otherwise from our association go to fighting that dreaded disease cancer. We're privileged that the town of Bonnyville comes out to support those three games," said Fagnan.
