Penta Completions Estevan Minor Football and the Estevan Comprehensive School Elecs football team received financial support, and hosted a couple of special guests, during Football Day in Estevan on September 8.
The Estevan Lives Rider Pride committee presented $3,000 to each of the two organizations during ceremonies that were part of Football Day. The money was raised during a cabaret in June.
Committee chair Alf Tide said they have raised more than $45,000 for the two football entities in the last three years. The committee will continue with to fundraise next year, since the 2013 Grey Cup will be in Regina.
Minor football president Steve McLellan and Woodlawn Regional Park manager Nathan Puffalt announced that a rebuild of the Dana Quewezance Memorial Field, which was the game field for local football teams from 2008 to 2010, will begin this fall. It's expected the field will be ready next year.
The field, which is located at the eastern edge of the regional park, was damaged by flooding last year.
Penta Completions was recognized for extending their sponsorship of minor football. Penta will be the organization's title sponsor through 2016.
Two iconic members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders were in attendance: Hall-of-Fame receiver Don Narcisse and retired all-star defensive tackle Scott Schultz.
Narcisse reminded the youth about the importance of hard work. A lot of people told Narcisse that he couldn't play professional football because he was only five-foot-nine, but Narcisse said he dreamed of being a pro, and he was able to spend 13 years with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Schultz said football has been a huge part of his life for more than two decades. He noted the different age groups in Estevan's football programs reflect the opportunities that exist in football as players get older. He urged the players to listen to their coaches, have fun together and play a clean game.
