April 19, 2013: Concussion Workshop this Saturday in Edmonton

Media Release:

For immediate release: April 19, 2013

Concussion Workshop this Saturday in Edmonton

The CFL Alumni Association, in conjunction with the Edmonton Eskimo Alumni Association and the Canadian Orthopedic Nurses Association, will hold a one day seminar on Saturday April 20 to further examine sports concussions.

Entitled “Concussion in Sport” the session will be held in the Jackie Parker Room at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton from 8:30am until 12:30 pm.

Hector Pothier, President of the CFLAA, will be the moderator and many prominent experts – including three doctors, coaches and equipment personnel – will be on the agenda.

Topics will include the medicine and science of concussion, the neuropsychology of concussion, advances in equipment for concussion prevention, on-field assessment of concussions and proper tackling/blocking techniques based on Football Canada safe tackling methods.

“The big concern is the effect of concussions now and recognizing it when it does occur,” says Pothier. “How you can assess it quickly. There are really two time frames. The physical side, when you are ready to play and the second part is when you are mentally ready to play. They are two different things and that is part of what these doctors will address. Concussions are a much bigger deal than we thought in all sports. Coaches and equipment managers will talk about protecting against concussions, not preventing them. We are trying to provide information to get a better understanding so athletes can protect themselves as much as possible and if you do get a concussion, how to best deal with it.”

Registration is $25 per person and lunch will be provided by the Eskimo Alumni Association.

For more information on the event contact Hector Pothier, President, CFLAA at 780-478-7139 (H) or 780-232-2951 (C) or email Hector.Pothier@epsb.ca.

 

March 14, 2013: Media Release: Reed, Campbell Named to Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund’s Hall of Fame

Media Release:
For immediate release: March 14, 2013

Reed, Campbell Named to Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund’s Hall of Fame

Two football legends who were teammates for six years in the CFL will be among this year’s inductees into Mike Ditka’s Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund’s Hall of Fame.

George Reed and Hugh Campbell played together with the Saskatchewan Roughriders from 1963-67 and 1969 and made their mark not only in Western Canada but throughout the CFL.

Reed was one of the league’s premiere running backs during his 13 year career (1963-75) with the Roughriders and one of the CFL’s best of all time. The nine-time all-star owns virtually every Saskatchewan club rushing record, including most rushing yards in a career (16,116), most carries (3,243) and most rushing touchdowns in a career (134). He also holds the single season Roughriders record in the same three categories. Reed was a member of the ‘Riders 1966 Grey Cup championship team and was inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame in 1979. His familiar #34 is one of eight numbers retired by the club.

“I think it is one of those honours you never think about,” says Reed of his selection. “It also speaks very well for our league and the players in it. I am looking forward to the dinner and ceremony especially with my friend Hugh.”

Campbell, nicknamed “Gluey Huey” was equally successful as a player, as a coach and as an administrator. He won 10 Grey Cups – one as a player, five as a coach and four as an executive. He played for Saskatchewan for six seasons (1963-67 and 1969) and was twice named a CFL all-star. He is third on the all-time ‘Rider list with 60 career touchdown receptions and fourth all-time with 5,425 receiving yards. Campbell coached the Edmonton Eskimos to an unprecedented five consecutive Grey Cup victories (1978-82). He was inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame in 2000.

“I think it is a nice honour,” says Campbell. “I am extremely proud to be going in with George after playing with him for three years in College at Washington State and six years in Saskatchewan. I enjoyed all three roles that I had in the CFL and it will be fun to meet the other inductees and get to see George and his wife Angie at the dinner.”

“The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund’s Hall of Fame event started five years ago to honor retired players for their fabulous careers on the field, and the equally outstanding deeds off the field,” says Shannon Jordan, President of the Gridiron Greats. “This is a great way for us to honor deserving individuals not just because they were great players but because they have given so much back to the community”.
All profits from the event go to the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund to support former players who have fallen upon hard times. Mike Ditka, Marv Levy, Gale Sayers, Kyle Turley and Matt Birk sit on the Board of Directors for GGAF. The Fund is supported through numerous donations and fundraising activities throughout the year including special events, auctions of memorabilia, autograph events, corporate and public donation drives, sponsorships and special Super Bowl related events.

Reed and Campbell will join former Hamilton Tiger-Cat and Ottawa Rough Rider Angelo Mosca, who was the first CFL player inducted into the Hall last year.

The former Saskatchewan stars were nominated for the honour by the CFL Alumni Association Board of Directors.

The annual Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame dinner and induction will be held on May 17, 2013 in Novi, Michigan
For more information on the event contact Leo Ezerins, Executive Director, CFLAA at 905-464-0007 or email at leo@cflalumni.org.

CFLAA VISION: “The CFLAA fosters a lifelong relationship between the Canadian Football League and its alumni, and provides support to alumni, to football in Canada, and to other communities it serves.”

About Gridiron Greats

The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund’s mission is to assist dire need retired NFL players who were pioneers of the game and who have greatly contributed to the NFL’s status as the most popular sport in America. GGAF provides hands-on assistance to help retired players and their families deal with hardships they face after football. The services include medical assistance, transportation costs for medical evaluations and surgeries, dental assistance, housing assistance, financial assistance for utilities, medication, and coordination of services for food, automotive payments and childcare.

December 2, 2012: CFL Alumni Association Legends Auction

 

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MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release:             Sunday,December 2, 2012

 

Biggest-ever Auction of CFL Memorabilia now on-line

 

Hey football fans, ever wanted to own a piece of the CFL? Well, now is your chance.

The CFL Alumni Association in partnership with Classics Auctions is pleased to announce the biggest on-line auction of CFL memorabilia in history. The auction runs from now until December 11 and the public is invited to bid on-line at www.classicauctions.net.

“This is an awesome collection of old memorabilia and one-of-a-kind items including player’s Grey Cup and championship rings, lots of game-worn equipment including sweaters and helmets, CFL trophies and awards, player autographs, collector football cards from 1930-1980 and collectible game programs,” says Leo Ezerins, Executive Director of the CFL Alumni Association. “There is even a football helmet dating to the 1920′s, a Canadian Football Guide from 1911 and a letter signed by Hall of Famer Albert Grey, donator of the Grey Cup.”

Reminder – Auction ends December 11, 2012.

July 8, 2012: Canada wins gold at IFAF U19 World Championship, defeating US 23-17 in Finals

Click here to view Media Release: Canada wins gold at IFAF U19 World Championship

June 14, 2012: Ticat and CFL Alumni Partner in Concussion Workshop

Media Release:

For immediate release: June 14, 2012

Ticat and CFL Alumni Partner in Concussion Workshop

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats Alumni and the Canadian Football League Alumni will be hosting a Concussion 101 Workshop at McMaster Innovation Park on June 23 from 8:30am until noon. The event is endorsed by Football Canada and will feature a number of keynote speakers and experts on the important topic of the effect of concussions from contact sports.

The workshop is targeted towards the Hamilton, Burlington and Niagara Region amateur football community, including athletes, coaches, trainers and administrators; It is open to anyone with an interest on this very important issue in football and all sports.  The moderator will be Dr David Levy, a McMaster University graduate, Associate Clinical professor and team physician to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for 40 years.  Dr. Levy is also a member of the Canadian Sports Concussion Project at the Krembil Neuroscience Center at Toronto Western Hospital. www.cflaa.ca

The line-up for the workshop includes:

1.      Dr Michael Mazurak, Professor of Neurology, McMaster University – Medical Assessment and Management of Concussion

  1.       2.     Jim Cimba, partner Cimba & Associates, Hamilton – The Legal Perspective – What we all need to know.
  2.       3.     Chris Puskas – Head Athletic Trainer – McMaster University – How to assess and treat concussion – a sideline perspective.
  3.      4.     Carm Genovese – D Line Coach – McMaster University – Tackling technique instruction

Attendees can register by email or online at www.htcaa,ca or contact the CFLAA directly.

For more information contact Leo Ezerins, Executive Director, CFLAA at 905-464-0007 or leo@cflalumni.org.

March 20, 2012: Levy Named to Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame

Media Release:

For immediate release: March 20, 2012

Levy Named to Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame

Former CFL and NFL coach Marv Levy has been named to the Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame.

Levy will join fellow inductees, including former CFL legend Angelo Mosca and NFL stars Barry Sanders, Billy Sims and Dan Dierdorf and be honoured at the Hall of Fame Dinner on May 18, 2012 at Novi, Michigan.

“The Hall was started about six years ago by a bunch of former players including Gale Sayers, Mike Ditka and others,” says Mark Lewis, Director, Detroit Chapter of the Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame. All profits from the event go to the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund to support former players who have fallen upon hard times. The Fund is supported through numerous donations and fundraising activities throughout the year including special events, auctions of memorabilia, autograph events, corporate and public donation drives, sponsorships and special Super Bowl related events.

“I am very complemented that this has occurred,” says Levy. “I stay in close contact with Mike Ditka and others involved in the Gridiron Greats. It is a very worthwhile cause that can sometimes be overlooked. I am very proud to be part of it.”

“We are very proud that another member of the CFL fraternity will be joining these greats,” says Leo Ezerins, Executive Director of the CFL Alumni Association. “Marv Levy made a tremendous contribution to both the Canadian Football League and the NFL and is a well-deserved selection for this honour.”

Levy coached the Montreal Alouettes from 1973-77 and led the Als to the playoffs in each of his five seasons as Head Coach. The team made three Grey Cup appearances under Levy, winning in 1974 and ’77. He was named CFL Coach of the Year in 1974. Levy coached the Kansas City Chiefs from 1978-82 and the Buffalo Bills from 1986-97. During his time in Buffalo the Bills appeared in an unprecedented four straight Super Bowls (1990-93). Levy was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.

“I coached for 47 years and only five were in Montreal but they are a very memorable part for me,” says Levy. “Everything was so uplifting – the ambience of the City of Montreal. I loved it. We had great owners and great players like Peter Dalla Riva, Sonny Wade and Wally Buono and so many others.  I left Montreal not feeling five years older but five years younger.”

For more information on the event contact Leo Ezerins, Executive Director, CFLAA at 905-464-0007 or email at leo@cflalumni.org.

March 14th, 2012: Second Annual Flag Football Camp in Thompson, Manitoba

March 14th, 2012

Second Annual Flag Football Camp in Thompson, Manitoba

Thompson, Manitoba will be the site again this year for the Second Annual Flag Football Camp, whose aim is to promote “life” through sport and prevent suicide.

Kurtis Stolth, organizer of the event, is an alumnus of Manitoba Bison’s Football and relocated to Thompson, Manitoba to work with the Community Mental Health Team.  In addition, he has become involved with the Burntwood Suicide Prevention Committee that is coordinated by the Burntwood Regional Health Authority.

“KURTIS Quote”

The region’s rate of attempted suicide in persons aged 10 years and up is 4 times the provincial rate. The Burntwood Region makes up 54% of the province and is spread over 210,000 square miles. The population is 50,000, with 47% being under the age of 19 years. 76% of the population declares aboriginal descent and 51% are living on reserves.  Of the 26 communities, 19 are First Nations Communities, 7 are Northern Affairs communities and only 12 of these communities have road access.  All of the other communities are reliant on rail, air or winter roads for travel.

The initial camp included 185 youths registered, 50% from outlying communities, such as God’s River, Brochet, Split Lake, Nelson House, Lac Brochet, Lynn Lake, St. Theresa Point and Nelson House. The Suicide Prevention Committee was provided with 20 flag football packages from Football Canada which were sent into the communities shortly after the camp and we have been advised that many of these youth are still playing football in their communities.  Last year’s camp had major support from the community, including over 40 volunteers and a partnership with McDonald’s who dedicated the McHappy Day proceeds to the event.

Last year, packages were sent out to 20 communities that included enough football equipment to start a league. The Committee partnered with the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Football Manitoba, Football Canada and the Winnipeg Rifles. Twenty coaches from the University of Manitoba which included current players, coaches and alumni attended. Glen January and Buck Pierce from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers were in attendance and Troy Westwood opened the camp. From Football Manitoba, two instructors attended the weekend to certify individuals from the communities in refereeing and coaching. Through heavy sponsorship from the province youth were provided with dry fit t-shirts, water bottles, mouth guards, playbooks, meals and insurance. Everyone who attended the camp shared their skills and passion for the game of football and assisted the youth by being positive role models and teaching them a game that is non-existent in the north.

This year’s camp will take place June 1-3, 2012 and will be open to the first 200 youth who sign up from the ages of 11- 17. Coaches from the Manitoba Bison’s and the Winnipeg Rifles will be at the camp. While the kids are enjoying the weekend, adults and chaperones will have the opportunity to be trained and certified by Football Manitoba to be coaches and referees.  The coaches and referees would return to their communities with a package to start their own leagues.

“The vision is to have youth attend from every community in the Region.” Said Curtis.

For more information about the event please contact Kurtis Stolth at (204) 677-5364 or the Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Liz Lychuk, at (204) 778 6513, extension 1.

February 16, 2012: Mosca Named to Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Mosca Named to Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame

February 16, 2012

Former CFL great Angelo Mosca has been selected the first ever CFL inductee into the Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame.

Mosca will join fellow inductees, including former NFL stars Barry Sanders, Billy Sims and Dan Dierdorf and be honoured at the Hall of Fame Dinner on May 18, 2012 at Novi, Michigan.

“The Hall was started about six years ago by a bunch of former players including Gale Sayers, Mike Ditka and others,” said Mark Lewis, Director, Detroit Chapter of the Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame. “There are about 40 players inducted and we thought this would be a good fit with us having a close proximity to the CFL through Detroit and Windsor. We look for players who had an outstanding football career and gave back to the community at large, or even a mediocre career who gave back to the community.”

All profits from the event go to the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund to support former players who have fallen upon hard times. The Fund is supported through numerous donations and fundraising activities throughout the year including special events, auctions of memorabilia, autograph events, corporate and public donation drives, sponsorships and special Super Bowl related events.

“It’s a great honour,” said Mosca. “My wife says they keep re-inventing me. It’s a nice award and I appreciate it, that it acknowledges what you have done away from the game.”

Mosca was selected for the honour by the Board of Directors of the CFL Alumni Association. “The criteria is really more to do with post career contributions than with his actual football career; his support to the CFL Alumni Association; the local Alumni Association, the CFL and the local club, as well the support to the community in which he lives,” says Leo Ezerins, Executive Director of the CFLAA. “Angelo has been a huge ambassador for the CFLAA not only at high profile events such as the Grey Cup but throughout the year at many fundraising events and appearances. He is especially committed to helping out the CFLAA Dire Needs Fund. A fund to support former players and/or their families who require financial support for medical challenges.

For more information on the event contact Leo Ezerins, Executive Director, CFLAA at (905)464-0007 or email at leo@cflalumni.org.

 

 

 

January 26, 2012: Blue Bombers mourn the passing of Grey Cup Champion Doug MacIver

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 26, 2012

WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Football Club would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the family of former Blue Bomber Doug MacIver, who passed away earlier this morning.

MacIver played on the defensive line for the Blue Bombers from 1982-1984 after spending the previous six seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Toronto Argonauts.  He recorded seven sacks as a Blue Bomber and was part of the 1984 Grey Cup Championship team.  MacIver attended the University of Manitoba before embarking on his CFL career.

 

 

September 15, 2011: Former CFL’er to Tackle Kilimanjaro for Charity

MEDIA RELEASE:

For immediate release: September 15, 2011

Former CFL’er to Tackle Kilimanjaro for Charity

He is co-holder of the CFL record for most special teams tackles in a game with seven.

This October, former linebacker Brendan Rogers will face an even more formidable opponent when he takes on Mount Kilimanjaro -the highest mountain in Africa.

The former Winnipeg Blue Bomber (1991-95), Toronto Argonaut (1996-98) and Saskatchewan Roughrider (1999) will be part of a 16 member team attempting to climb the 5,895 metre high Kilimanjaro to raise money for charity. Through Summits of Hope, a not-for-profit group that has raised in excess of $1.8 million over the past 10 years, Rogers will be raising funds for the study of brain injury and concussion for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. He hopes to raise at least $10,000.

“It’s for a great cause,” says Rogers. “These are everyday people who are out doing this – teachers, nurses, firemen, police officers, you name it. When we encounter adversity the stress we feel can erode our optimism, eventually convincing us that the issues we face cannot be overcome. In truth, there is no situation so dire, no challenge so great and no choice so bewildering that it cannot be overcome. I feel that is the essence of work that is done by BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.”

Rogers has been active with a variety of charitable organizations and foundations across Canada and is actively involved in efforts to improve the lot of former CFL players. He is a strong supporter of the CFL Alumni Association. Rogers has seen a number of his teammates pass away the last few years and is concerned about the long-term effects of brain injuries and concussions on former players.

This will be his second expedition with Summits of Hope. Last year Rogers was part of a team that climbed to the Mount Everest Base Camp.

The Kilimanjaro climb, up and down, should take between eight and nine days. In preparation for the fundraiser, Rogers has spent the past six months training, primarily improving his cardiovascular levels. “I’ve done various things in preparation for the climb,” he says. “Running up the stadium stairs with a weighted vest as well as a lot of hiking. There is a lot less oxygen at those heights so it is bound to have an effect. It will basically be one step at a time.”

“What I hope to get out of it is the sense of setting a goal and accomplishing it – and for those that support me, says Rogers. “It’s the same as being a professional athlete. You set your goals and hope to accomplish them. I am looking forward to watching the sun rise from the roof top of Africa. Hopefully I can inspire a few of the guys around the league to maybe take part next year.”

To donate or for more information on October’s Summits of Hope climb check out the web site at www.summitsofhope.com.

The CFL Alumni Association is committed to helping support research and awareness of concussion. The Association is also actively involved in the Canadian Sports Concussion Project at Krembil Neuroscience Center at Toronto Western Hospital. The research group is led by Dr. Charles Tator, Canada’s preeminent authority on sports concussion.

 

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