Professional lacrosse players with the Edmonton Rush Andrew McBride and Jeremy Thompson have spent the past three days in the Alberta Peace, visiting with Aboriginal communities and schools.
Thompson says with having grown up on a reserve, it’s important for him to share the history of lacrosse.
“It’s more than just a sport; it has this rich culture behind it and it’s more than a game, so every spring it’s a ritual for our people to remind ourselves why our creator had sent this game down to the people for healing or to settle war disputes.”
Lacrosse is also Canada’s national sport, and the athletes are hoping to grow its popularity in First Nations’ children.
“Seeing a kid after playing for half an hour say I want to play lacrosse,” says McBride, “and to be able to use the game that we love and we’re passionate about is something that’s very humbling to me and something I definitely want to pass back on to the kids. Lacrosse is such a great game; it’s the fastest game on two feet; it’s the fastest growing sport in North America.”
There’s still time to register to play before Grande Prairie hosts the 2015 provincials this July. More info can be found at www.gplacrosse.com.