Champions Celebrate Champions During Special Day of Lacrosse in Peterborough
/By Scott Arnold
A day filled with lacrosse, laughter, and community support brought generations of Peterborough champions together while raising funds for several local causes.
organizer ernie ellement posing with the athletes (photo courtesy of cindy wilson)
The Peterborough Memorial Centre was buzzing with activity during Lacrosse Day for Our Champions, a community event that celebrated the city's rich lacrosse tradition while giving back to local organizations, including Special Olympics Peterborough.
two of the greatest players in the history of lacrosse, john grant sr and bobby allan
(photo by scott arnold)
The day began with free turf time for minor lacrosse players, giving young athletes the chance to get on the floor where so many Peterborough lacrosse memories have been made.
Later in the afternoon, some familiar names returned to action for a Legends and Alumni lacrosse game. Team Gold featured Bobby Allan, Carm Collins, Scott Self, Jim Gooley, Peter Guerin, Paul Evans, Darren Axford, Dean Porter, Josh Currier, Moose McIlmoyle, Kurt Johnston, Mike Burke, Peter Dalliday, Steve Evans, Josh Gilliam, Clayton Wade, Adam King, Paul Konkle and Rick Peel.
Team Gold enjoying time together after their big win (photo by scott arnold)
Team Blue included Johnny "Shooter" Davis, John Grant Sr., Jim Wasson, Len Powers, J.J. Johnston, Peter Nesbitt, Jeff Davis, Joe Todd, Frank Kylie, Jeff Ralph, Derrick Collins, Brian "Dalt" Downer, Jim Johnston, Craig Muir, Jason Clark, Ross Cowie, Jake Milligan, Steve Earl and Tyler Chambers.
The celebration continued in the evening with Storytime by the Legends at Sticks Sports Pub. The event featured stories and memories from decades of championship lacrosse in Peterborough.
legend jimmy wasson holding his mislabelled “jimmy wesson” name card (photo by scott arnold)
Sharing those stories were Bobby Allan, Carm Collins, J.J. Johnston, Don Barrie, Tim Barrie, Johnny Davis, Paul Evans, John Grant Sr., Joe Todd and Jimmy Wasson, with Peter Dalliday serving as master of ceremonies.
tim barrie telling a story as brother don looks on from the left and J.J. johnston in the middle
(Photo by scott arnold)
paul evans reminiscing about his lakers days while praising legend bobby allan (photo by scott arnold)
Jim Gooley entertains the crowd at sticks with a story from the past (photo by scott arnold)
joe todd on the mic during legends of lacrosse storytime on saturday (photo by scott arnold)
carm collins sharing his memories of playing lacrosse in peterborough
Johnny “shooter” davis telling a stories about some of his former laker teammates
(photo by Scott arnold)
The event was organized by Ernie Ellement of Boro Boys Seasonal Lacrosse, who helped bring together players, fans and community members for a day centred around giving back.
organizer ernie ellement and mc pete dalliday enjoying some down time after a full day of lacrosse
(photo by scott arnold)
Organizers said the event was all about champions supporting champions. Donations and proceeds from a raffle are being directed to Special Olympics Peterborough and Unified Champion Schools, while donations were also collected for Kawartha Food Share.
longtime laker volunteer dylan hawken took in the entire day
