A Time to Give - MOB Lacrosse

I started passitonsports.ca two years ago April. The story of Passitonsports is a long one, so I won't repeat it again here...but you can have a quick look at my About Us page.

I am a big believer of giving thanks to people that deserved to be thanked....and if you want to go to www.passitonsports.ca and sign up (always free) you can write a quick thank you to anyone you think needs to hear it. It only take a few minutes...and it feels great.

This blog though, is about a Masters Lacrosse League that has been going for about eight years. It is called MOB Lacrosse. MOB stands for Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington which is where most of the players now live, and also played their minor lacrosse careers.

The MOB is the best of all worlds. For me, for example, I am in my 50th consecutive year of playing lacrosse. I know that sounds frightening, but, trust me it has been special.
For any kids out there that are just new to the game, believe me, it is the best game in the world. The friendships I made when I was five are still with me today. I play with my brothers, my best friends, and even played a couple years with my son until he moved to the great white north. It is amazing.

We also had a MOB tournament team, travelling all over Ontario, playing in small town Ontario, and loving every minute. We hosted a couple of tournaments as well, and with A LOT of help, we had some great tournaments.

As the years have gone by, we have managed to save a little money. Not a lot, but nonetheless we had some money in the bank. We have talked about what to do with the money and the decision really seemed like an easy one. Why not give back to the game we all love. Why not "passiton" to the place where it started for most of us. So that is what we have done.

We decided to write a cheque in the amount of $750 to each of the minor lacrosse programmes in Mississauga, Oakville and Burlington.

Mississauga Tomahawks Minor Lacrosse

I made the trip out to Mississauga last Friday and met the Mississauga Tomahawks President Lori Shewchuk and the Administrative VP Teena McKeon. Both women looked like they were each doing four jobs. They were registering players...there were tryouts going on...merchandise sales...etc., etc. This is not news for anyone involved in minor lacrosse. It is a tireless, often thankless job, yet they were doing it with a smile - and they had a lot of other people helping as well. It was fun to watch...it felt so good to hand over the cheque. They deserved every penny.
p.s. Like all minor lacrosse programs, they could use some coaching help (bantam Boys last I heard)

                                       Me top left (me 50 years ago bottom right) (kidding)
                                         Lori and Teena and some of the stars of tomorrow.
                                 



Oakville Hawks Minor Lacrosse


I dropped by the Toronto Rock practice facility to meet with MOB Lacrosse Superstar Keith Kennedy, and the two of us were there to meet Grant Sloane, Chief Administrative Officer of the Oakville Minor Lacrosse Association. Once again, as is always the case with lacrosse people, Grant was very busy...Tyke tryouts were just wrapping up and Grant was replacing the lacrosse nets with hockey nets...as ball hockey was next up.
On the other side of the arena, The Toronto Rock were getting ready to practice...kind of cool I thought...The Pros on one side and the Tykes on the other. Great Stuff. I even bumped into Troy Cordingley (Head Coach of the Toronto Rock) as he balanced watching his two kids on the tyke side, while preparing for the practice on the Pro side. Awesome.

                                         The Toronto Rock getting ready for Sunday!

                                            Keith Kennedy, Grant Sloane and me.





Burlington Chiefs Minor Lacrosse

I now live in Burlington and I know a lot of people that do so much for Burlington Lacrosse. The list goes on and on.
For example Silvana Yee is seen on girls field lacrosse fields all over Ontario, it seems like every weekend to me. She is an enthusiastic person that never stops giving back. (She also plays MOB Lacrosse.)

Jamie Sinclair is just your average Dad. He is the Secretary of Burlington Minor Lacrosse. He was also the Secretary last year...oh and he helped run the Burlington House League...oh and the Championship weekend...oh, and was trainer for the Peewee A team. At the annual awards banquet Jamie was presented with the Presidents Award. An excellent choice. It was our pleasure to give Jamie and The Burlington Chiefs a helping hand. (and yes...Jamie plays MOB Lacrosse)

                                          Me and Jamie Sinclair.



It was such a great experience this year to do our part in helping minor Lacrosse...but like all things there are so many people that helped achieve this for MOB Lacrosse. The list is endless and I am sure I will forget somebody...and I humbly apologize...here goes:

Bill and Donna Sanderson, Marj McMillan, Phyllis Walker, Edie Sammut, Cort Sanderson and Sue Steele, Brad and Sue Sanderson, Styxie Walker, Bob Simpson, Kira Simpson, Dave and Carol Johnston, Keith and Liz Kennedy, Brad and Carolyn Wales, Warren and Robin Dimarco, Brad Campbell and Christine Keeler, Carl Krebss, Jamie and Leanne Sinclair, Patti Cruickshank...and me.

For many years these people have put their heart and soul into the game - on and off the floor - and we should all be proud. Congratulations.

MOB Lacrosse takes place on Wednesday Night at Glen Abbey Arena from 8pm starting on April 17...if you are in the neighborhood drop by and say hello.

There are so many great people involved in lacrosse...and in all sports. Their stories are wonderful, and if you have someone to thank...Pass It On!!!