Yorkton Minor Football is going above and beyond to give special needs students the opportunity to feel as though they are truly a part of the team.
The local organization created a program called "Getting in the Game" that is designed to raise money for special needs students who want to get the full of experience of being on a sports team. The funds raised go to providing the necessary infrastructure, chaperones, teacher aids, and other expenses to give special needs students the opportunity to go on road trips and take part in other team activities.
"Yorkton Minor Football wants to help as many young people as possible, and that includes some that may not be able to play in our program," said Yorkton Minor Football president Roby Sharpe. "This "Getting in the Game" program is going to allow us to reach out to students with special needs. It will help them feel a part of the team and give them something to look forward to during the year like a road trip with the Raider Gridders."
Long-time Raider Gridders trainer and special needs student Tyler Senchuk inspired YMF to put together the program.
"Senchuk has been the Raider Gridders' biggest and most dedicated fan since getting involved in football," said Sharpe. "He is always wearing his football jersey around the school. He hardly ever takes it off. He exemplifies what every fan should be like. A student and wide receiver, Ryan Krochak, brought up how it would be nice if Senchuk could travel with the team so he could get that full football experience. After Ryan brought that up, we started planning the "Getting in the Game" program."
To jumpstart the "Getting in the Game" program, YMF auctioned off a Chad Nehring game-worn jersey at Football Night in Saskatchewan on April 27. Nehring, who is a former Raider Gridder, plays for the Arizona Sundogs in the Central Hockey League.
"Nehring was an unreal linebacker for us when he was in high school," said Sharpe. "But he chose to follow hockey. After playing for the Yorkton Terriers in the SJHL, he went on to play college hockey (Lake Superior State University) and now plays in the Central League. We were thrilled when he told us he would donate a game-worn jersey to help the program. It really helped us get the program off the ground."
Lee Rusnak, who is a former Yorkton Terrier and U of R hockey player, stepped up to the plate at the auction with a $3,300 winning bid.
"Lee really helped us out by putting up that much money for the jersey," said Sharpe. "I know he told me that while playing hockey when he was in high school and later on how much he appreciated the water boys and stick boys. So he really put his money where his mouth is. It was nice to see him and other members in our community reach out for the good cause."
YMF is accepting donations to the "Getting in the Game" program for all sports teams that need support with special needs trainers, water boys and other various roles. To donate, contact Roby Sharpe at the Yorkton Regional High School at 306-786-5569 or Darcy Zaharia at [email protected].
