The Foothills Eagles are set to host an evening of education and awareness.
The Eagles are inviting all parents, coaches and young athletes to attend its Heads Up Concussion Awareness Night on Sept. 21 featuring guest speaker Melissa Roth of Sidelined along with two of the bright lights in the Okotoks football community in Calgary Stampeders Anthony Parker and Charlie Power.
“We thought it might be good if the Eagles took it upon themselves as an organization to talk about the myths and realities of concussions,” said Donna Stratton, communications and promotions director with the Eagles. “We’ve invited all parents in football, football athletes and all other sport communities to come to the event.”
Concussion and football have become a hot-botton issue both north and south of the 49th parallel.
Football Canada has launched the Safe Contact nationwide as a means to curb concussions with the mandated instruction of tackling techniques led by the arms and shoulders.
Roth, a trainer with the Calgary Dinos who also runs her own business Sidelined, will speak on her expertise in the prevention, maintenance and management of concussions.
She will then conduct a question and answer period with attendees.
Parker, a Foothills Composite graduate, and Power, who completed his high school studies at Holy Trinity Academy, will then speak on the opportunities available for those interested in remaining on the gridiron.
Parker, in his sixth season with the Stamps, has established himself as a true professional and reliable receiving target for Calgary quarterback Bo-Levi Mitchell.
Power is in his third season with the Stampeders as a full-back and special teams specialist.
Both also happen to be former members of the Eagles.
“They’ve agreed to come out on their own time which is fabulous,” Stratton said. “They’re going to talk about their time as football players, sportsmanship and talk about how even with the risks what can happen through football.
“That you can become a CFL player or NFL player.”
Following the speaking portion of the night the Stampeders will be made available for autographs and pictures.
The event runs from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Academy theatre.
It is free to attend though organizers are asking for donations to the Okotoks Food Bank. Space is limited to approximately 275 seats.
To register for the event visit gofa.ca.
