Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Courage Bowl...More Than Just A Game!

For one night, thanks to the coaches at the University of Rochester, and my fellow coaches at St. John Fisher College, six children battling cancer will have the chance to truly be a part of a college football team, during Courage Bowl III.

Courage Bowl III, the annual football game between the St. John Fisher College Cardinals and the University of Rochester Yellowjackets, dedicated to the children of Camp Good Days and Special Times, will be played on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 7:00 PM at Growney Stadium on the St. John Fisher College campus.

Most of us take our good health for granted and have the chance to follow through on many of our dreams, such as playing football, yet, this population of children battling cancer does not have the luxury of dreams like that. Children with cancer are generally not able to participate in organized football, due to their illness and as a result of their treatments, so for them to have the opportunity to be a real part of a college football team is so extraordinary and truly an once-in-a-lifetime experience that they will remember for all of their life.

These six Honorary Coaches, three with each team, will attend a practice session with their team; will meet their team for the pre-game meal; will be in the locker room with their team; will lead their teams onto the field; will be at midfield for the coin toss; and will “coach” from the sidelines with their fellow coaches. Following the game, the names of all six Honorary Coaches will be inscribed on the Teddi Trophy, named for my daughter, Teddi.

In addition this year, two girls battling cancer will have the opportunity to be Honorary Cheerleaders with each team’s Cheerleading Squads. The girls will also attend a practice with their squad; meet their squad pre-game to get ready; and spend the game on the sidelines with their fellow cheerleaders.

Because the sidelines of a college football game can be a bit dangerous, we are only able to select six Honorary Coaches, however, for the other campers from Camp Good Days dealing with cancer there will be a special Camp Good Days’ Courage Bowl Tailgate Party, sponsored and hosted by Tompkins Insurance Agencies, AM&M Financial Services, and the Bank of Castile. The Courage Bowl Tailgate Party will take place at the Alumni Terrace at St. John Fisher College and includes dinner, games and activities, and special seating for the game.

The Inaugural Courage Bowl was played in September 2005 at Growney Stadium in front of a record-breaking crowd and Courage Bowl II was played in September 2006 at Fauver Stadium on the University of Rochester campus in front of a sell-out crowd. This year we anticipate no different as thousands are expected to come out not only to support their team, but to support the children and families of Camp Good Days. We are also thrilled that the game will be televised live on WROC TV-8, with a re-broadcast on FOX Rochester and will also be carried on WYSL News 1040AM and Hot Talk 1280 AM.

All of us at Camp Good Days hope to see you at the game! Courage Bowl…More Than Just A Game!