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Charity game pits Dawgs v. Stamps, Flames

Stars from the past and the future will sparkle on the diamond to help child sexual abuse victims and prevent gridiron players from hitting hard times.
Calgary Stampeder QB Bo Levi Mitchell announces he will be on the field when a combined Stamps-Calgary Flames Alumni squad takes on the Okotoks Dawgs at Seaman Stadium for
Calgary Stampeder QB Bo Levi Mitchell announces he will be on the field when a combined Stamps-Calgary Flames Alumni squad takes on the Okotoks Dawgs at Seaman Stadium for the Field of Dreams charity slowpitch game on May 26.

Stars from the past and the future will sparkle on the diamond to help child sexual abuse victims and prevent gridiron players from hitting hard times.

A combined team of Calgary Stampeders and the Calgary Flames Alumni will play the Okotoks Dawgs in the Field of Dreams charity slowpitch game May 26 at Seaman Stadium.

Proceeds will go towards Life Choice Dynamics and the Canadian Centre for Male Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse (CC4MS).

Life Choice Dynamics is a passion for Calgary Stampeder QB Bo Levi Mitchell who sits on the organization’s board.

“It’s about a big problem with us and athletes,” said Mitchell, the 2016 CFL Most Outstanding Player, at a Field of Dreams press conference April 5 at McMahon Stadium. “We are trying to raise money to further our reach across the entire league.”

At present, Life Choice Dynamics helps Stampeders with their future, according to Stamps GM John Hufnagel.

“Life Choice Dynamics is a useful tool to assist and help prepare players for the eventual day (they leave football),” Hufnagel said. “It’s never easy telling a young man that his playing career with the Calgary Stampeders is over. It’s even more difficult when I believe that player is ill-prepared to move in to the workforce.”

Former Flames defenceman Jamie Macoun will trade his skates for spikes to help the charities.

He said sexual abuse is something people are now willing to discuss and he looks forward to swinging the lumber to help victims.

“It reminds me of back in the day when no one ever talked about cancer, now everyone understands it,” said Macoun, a defenceman for the 1989 Stanley Cup champion Calgary Flames. “Unfortunately, (sexual) abuse has happened in the past, and we want to continue to bring awareness to it.

“We are just happy to be asked and we will do what ever it takes to raise funds.”

Macoun estimated he as approximately 10 members of the Calgary Flames Alumni committed to the game already, including hall of famers Lanny McDonald and Okotoks’ own Bearcat Murray, a trainer for the 1989 champions.

Some of the committed Stamps are offensive lineman Quinn Smith, linebacker Deron Mayo, fullback Rob Cote and more.

Mitchell is working to recruit a pair of Stamps who grew up in Okotoks — receiver Anthony Parker and fullback Charlie Power.

“We’re trying — trying to get all the Canadians down there,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell played some baseball when not slinging the pigskin while growing up in Texas.

However, if his ceremonial opening pitch at a previous Dawgs game is any indication, he better swing the stick, and not rely on his strong-right arm. His pitch was a one or two-hopper to the catcher.

“It looked like that but it was a sinker — they call that one a double-bounce into the catcher’s glove,” he said with a smile. “I’m the best pitcher out here. I’m still thinking of going down there and playing for the Dawgs.”

The festivities will include a six-inning game between the Calgary legends and the Dawgs. As well, there will be a home run derby and plenty of chances for selfies and autographs. There is also live entertainment.

Dawgs spokesman William Gardner is delighted to have Okotoks host the game and have the opportunity to showcsase Seaman Stadium.

“I can’t tell you how honoured the Okotoks Dawgs are to be hosting this event at our world-class Seaman Stadium,” Gardner said.

More importantly, the game will also highlight the people of Okotoks.

“Okotoks is incredibly community minded,” Gardner said. “They are so excited and so tremendously supportive of this Field of Dreams event.”

The Fields of Dreams game has already become a hot ticket. The Seaman Stadium berm is nearly sold out, thanks in large part to a donation by Okotoks Tim Hortons.

Organizers are hoping to sellout at 4,000 fans.

For ticket information go to yycdreamgame.com

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