'This is bigger than football': Golden Hawks welcome back Light House members for training day
A tradition has returned to the turf on Tuesday at University Stadium in Waterloo.
The Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks football team welcomed back a group of their biggest supporters after a multi-year pandemic hiatus.
“I keep saying to the guys, this is bigger than football,” said head coach Michael Faulds.
Members of Light House, an adult day program that supports those in the region with special needs, returned to the gridiron to participate in a team practice during training camp.
“I like Laurier Golden Hawks, and I want them to win,” said Liam Kelly, a Light House participant.
For members of the program, the day wasn’t just about having fun, it was about being a part of a team they normally root for from the sidelines.
“It’s just such a unique activity to get our guys out to be part of a university campus feel and feel like they’re part of a team,” said Kyle Craig, program supervisor at Light House.
For many it was the first time they were able to participate in the day as COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the tradition for the past few years.
“This is my first time doing it, and I am very excited,” said Jake Jennings, a Light House member.
From footwork speed drills to learning to defend from tacklers, the Light House program members gave the Golden Hawks a boost of support just weeks before the season starts.
“It’s nice post-COVID getting them out here to training camp once again. The smiles, the dancing, the laughter from both from the Light House participants and from our players is so amazing,” said Faulds.
Light House officials said a day like this helps foster shared experiences for its participants, while building social networks within the community.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Pro-Palestinian protests roiling U.S. colleges escalate with arrests, new encampments and closures
The student protests of Israel's war with Hamas that have been creating friction at U.S. universities escalated Tuesday as new encampments sprouted and some colleges encouraged students to stay home and learn online, after dozens of arrests across the country.