Roughriders promote football at La Ronge jamboree

Karakochuk brought with him 12 young athletes from Creighton, who were able to learn the basics of football before they joined the school’s senior team in the coming years. He noted the jamboree was a unique experience for them as they were able to learn the sport by athletes they likely had only seen on TV. Students were also educated on all the positions, aspects of the sport and proper training techniques.

“It’s only going to brighten their spirits as they’re about to start their high school journey and senior football career,” Karakochuk said. “We have seen the NSFL keep kids in school and that’s what we want to do. It builds character, it builds teammates, all those sort of things we want to see in football players, but also as students at school.”

Athletes from across the North attended the Northern Saskatchewan Football Jamboree in La Ronge featuring the Roughriders. Watch here: pic.twitter.com/Knfrth5USk

— Derek Cornet (@saskjourno) May 12, 2019

Gainey, who was named a Canadian Football League All-Star in 2017 and 2018, said he was excited to be in La Ronge, adding the jamboree was a boost of morale for everyone involved. Since the Roughriders receive so much support by residents of Saskatchewan, he stated attending the event is a way for the team to give back to the community. Overall, Gainey noted the jamboree had a positive atmosphere and he was happy to be part of it.

“It’s a good experience getting these kids out here,” he said. “A lot of them never played football before. It’s good to see them take their baby steps every day and get a little bit better every time they come out here.”

Participants in the Northern Saskatchewan Football League Jamboree. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Gainey also commented about the level of skills he witnessed on the weekend, stating there were some participants who trained hard at every component of the event. He said there were some who performed well and showed fight, tenacity and a love for the game. For those players who will move on to play in the NSFL, Gainey had the following advice.

“A lot of people aren’t going to believe in yourself until you do,” he said. “With that being said, I would tell them just to keep believing in yourself and have a positive outlook on what they’re try to achieve.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno

by Derek Cornet

Roughriders promote football at La Ronge jamboree

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