The benefits of organized sports have long been known, and yet there are many kids who just won't take part, whether out of laziness, or a greater love of one's Wii or PlayStation than of getting outside to get some exercise.
Thus it is good to hear about an organized sport that is not only quite popular, but is growing at a pace where they need more or better facilities to allow the kids to play.
Weyburn Minor Football is in just such a position, where they're growing and lots of kids want to join and play. Part of the problem is a lack of adequate facilities.
The Comp Eagles have Darold Kot Field on the Comp grounds to both practice and play on, while Minor Ball and Minor Soccer all have their playing fields groomed and ready for use.
So where does Minor Football go? They end up having to use some of Minor Soccer's space at Jubilee Park for practising, and for playing they share Darold Kot Field with the Eagles. They need a new football field, and they are willing to share the cost of building it with the City of Weyburn.
Thus, it was heartening to see the crowds of supporters come out on Feb. 13 for the Rider Pride Hockey Challenge, which included a sold-out luncheon, an autograph session and then the hockey game against the Weyburn Rider Nation Generals.
This event raised over $20,000 towards that new field, which will be a huge help to be sure, but Minor Football is going to need much more to make their new field a reality. "In-kind" contributions of supplies and labour will be sought along with donations, and if they get what they need it will get built in the next year or two.
If the extraordinary level of support shown at the Rider Pride event continues, Minor Football will have no difficulty reaching their goal, and in turn, helping our kids stay healthy, and to have fun while learning valuable lessons on the field of competition.
