To help launch the 33rd annual Montreal Shrine Bowl, head coach Brad Collinson and members of the Concordia Stingers football team spent the morning visiting patients at the Shriners Hospital for Children - Canada.
“It’s fun to visit the hospital and do activities with the kids,” said Stinger fifth-year receiver James Tyrrell. “To see the joy on their faces when everyone is encouraging them or visiting them in their rooms, it’s special. It’s also eye-opening. It reminds you not to take anything for granted.”
The day started in the exercise room where members of the Stingers and the Montreal Alouettes cheerleaders had everyone up and moving. There were football activities, dancing and even a couple of cheerleading moves. Then it was off to visit patients who were in their hospital rooms. The Stingers signed autographs, took photos and shared some gifts.
The visit was part of the lead up to Saturday’s game versus the Laval Rouge et Or at Concordia Stadium, located at 7200 Sherbrooke St. W. Kickoff is 2 p.m.
The hospital will have a booth on site and will welcome visitors and have T-shirts and hats on sale. A couple of special patients, Ulrik and Stiliana, will be on hand to cheer on the players and help with presentations.
Since its inception in 1987, the Shrine Bowl has raised more than $1 million.
Located in Montreal, Shriners Hospitals for Children — Canada is a bilingual, acute care centre providing orthopaedic specialty care for complex or chronic disorders, such as osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease), severe spinal and limb anomalies, reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation. Children from across Canada, the U.S. and around the world have benefited from the Canada Shriners Hospital’s groundbreaking research and innovative treatments.
