INAUGURAL FIRSTON THE FIELD FLAG FOOTBALL PRESENTED BY FIRSTONTARIO LAUNCHED AT TIM HORTONS FIELD PROGRAM
Grassroots football program will reach hundreds of Hamilton elementary school students in May 2017
The FirstOn the Field Flag Football program presented by FirstOntario Credit Union was launched at Tim Hortons Field on Wednesday. Adelaide Hoodless Elementary School and St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Elementary School were the first local schools to participate. The inaugural event was the first of four sessions that will take place each Wednesday in May. Tiger-Cats quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, offensive lineman Mike Filer, defensive end Adrian Tracy, defensive back Courtney Stephen, defensive lineman Justin Capicciotti, wide receiver Kevin Elliot, and linebacker Nick Shorthill were in attendance. Players interacted with students throughout the camp which sought to promote youth football and healthy active living.
Students were exposed to a variety of different activities during the 90 minute camp including warm-up, skill development, and mini-games. Skill development stations focused on agility, throwing, catching/route running, and defense. The camp was led by Curtis Bell, coach of Cathedral High School football team and former Tiger-Cat draft pick. Players coached individual skill development stations and participated as quarterbacks during mini-games. The event was regarded a success by participants and organizers alike
“Today has been an awesome experience for [the students]. I think it’s been one of the highlights for our grade seven and eights – being here on the field, meeting the players, interacting with them,” Mrs. Martino, principal of St. Clare of Assisi said “They [the students] were really excited. I think it’s the fastest trip-forms ever came in.”
This positivity was echoed by everyone in attendance, in particular, the players. “It’s been awesome out here,” said offensive lineman Mike Filer. “We got a great group of kids that are willing to learn.”
Other players were excited for different reasons. “Undefeated, undefeated,” boasted Adrian Tracy concerning his team’s on-field performance. “And we had some athletes out there.”
A key theme of the day was an emphasis on healthy living. Numerous players stressed the importance of an active lifestyle and the sentiment was shared by Martino. “This year one of our school focuses has been healthy eating and exercise, so we’ve been promoting that at school and this ties in perfectly.”
Nick Cleroux, Regional Lead, FirstOntario Credit Union – Hamilton, praised the organization’s relationship with the Tiger-Cats. “At FirstOntario we’re committed to supporting our communities. Through our great partnership with the Tiger-Cats we’re able to reach out and have an impact on our communities in a unique and inspiring way.”
As the Tiger-Cats newest corporate partner, FirstOntario Credit Union is no stranger to promoting healthy living. In the last two years, FirstOntario has invested more than $750,000 in its award winning student nutrition program. The program works with Hamilton’s Haldimand Norfolk R.E.A.C.H. agency in the regions FirstOntario operates to ensure children receive a good start to the day and develop long lasting healthy eating habits. FirstOntario Credit Union is the province’s second-largest credit union with more than 115,000 Members and $4.7 billion in assets under management.
For more details concerning FirstOntario Credit Union’s nutrition program visit:https://www.firstontariocu.com/Personal/InOurCommunity/CommunitySponsorship/StudentNutritionProgram/
