One of the most popular and emotional events on the Stingers’ 2015 schedule takes place tonight when the Concordia rugby teams honor Kelly-Anne Drummond.
The women’s team will host the Montréal Carabins at 7 p.m. The Stingers come into the game with a 5-1 win-loss record. They are in second place in the RSEQ and ranked No. 8 in the CIS. The Carabins, a young program rising quickly, are currently in fourth place in the Quebec conference with a 4-1 record.
The winner of the Stingers-Carabins game will be awarded the Kelly-Anne Drummond Cup, symbolic of women's university rugby supremacy in Montreal and a tribute to Drummond, a former Stinger who died tragically on Oct. 4, 2004.
Drummond left behind many relatives, friends and teammates from her playing days at Concordia and with the Montreal Barbarians Rugby Club. At the game, they are joined by exceptional numbers of local rugby players who rally for the event.
Everyone gathers to celebrate Kelly-Anne’s spirit and love of rugby. She was a member of the Concordia women's rugby team from 1999 through 2001. A front row player, she was respected by her teammates for her commitment to the game and her work ethic. She also charmed her many friends with her inquisitiveness and fun-loving approach to life. She graduated from Concordia University with a major in Communications in 2002.
After the game Doreen Haddad, Kelly-Anne’s mother, and members of her family will present the trophy to the captains of the winning team.The Stingers defeated the McGill Martlets 34-20 last September to win the Cup. It was the sixth consecutive win for Concordia. The game is traditionally features Concordia and McGill. The latter won the first four contests.The Stingers men’s team has always been supportive at the game, cheering on the teams, collecting money, running raffles.
There is no charge to attend the games. However, Haddad and Concordia are asking spectators and participants to make a donation at the gate to help support WomenAWARE programs. The Montreal organization helps women who are victims of domestic abuse. To learn more please visit the website at www.womenaware.ca.
