The Calgary Stampeders have announced plans for a new initiative that will help grow grassroots football in southern Alberta and will support a cause near and dear to the hearts of the Stamps.
 
The first Calgary Stampeders Red and White Day in Medicine Hat will take place on Saturday, June 2. The event, in support of KidSport Medicine Hat and Redcliff, will see all Stampeders rookies — approximately 25 athletes — head to Medicine Hat and spend two hours on a football field with more than 100 young players in the area. The players will also interact with fans and be available for autographs and photos.
 
Red and White Day will take place at the Methanex Bowl from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and will feature Stamps rookies as well as veterans Drew Tate and Eric Fraser. Stampeders staff will have great promotional gear to hand out to Stamps fans and a barbecue will be held on site. All proceeds from the event will support KidSport Medicine Hat and Redcliff. KidSport’s mission is to ensure all children have access to play sports regardless of any financial barriers.
 
“This is a great opportunity for the Stampeders to help grow amateur football in southern Alberta,” said Lyle Bauer, president and COO of the Stampeders. “One of our goals as a football club is to ensure the future of the sport is strong in our province. This event will also support KidSport and we’re proud of our long association with this organization.”
 
The Stampeders will hold their rookie camp from May 28 to June 1 in Calgary, with the Red and White Day in Medicine Hat on June 2 and main training camp starting in Calgary on June 3. John Hufnagel, head coach and general manager of the Stamps, says Red and White Day is a great chance for Stamps fans in and around Medicine Hat to see future stars of the club.
 
“We hope to see hundreds of Stamps fans come and support the players who are trying to make the roster of our football club,” said Hufnagel. “I know the young men will be excited to get on the field at the Methanex Bowl with some young athletes in Medicine Hat. It will be a great day.”
 
The Stampeders have worked with KidSport for several years. The club has previously held a rookie skills camp in Calgary the day prior to main training camp.
 
Connelly Sherwick, chair of KidSport Medicine Hat and Redcliff, says his organization is thrilled that the Stamps have decided to expand on the skills clinic and bring this year’s event to his city.
 
“Amateur football in southeastern Alberta is thriving and the Stampeders are heroes to many youngsters in and around Medicine Hat,” said Sherwick. “A lot of Stamps fans in the area don’t have the opportunity to attend games and events in Calgary and the Red and White Day will be a great chance for the kids to meet their favourite players.”
 
More information on the Stamps’ Red and White Day in Medicine Hat will be available at Stampeders.com in the leadup to the event.

Stamps Red and White Day 

Where: Medicine Hat, AB (Methanex Bowl)
When: Saturday, June 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What: Stamps players will hold a skills camp on the field for select youngsters; a photo and autograph session will also be held for everyone in attendance
Who: Calgary Stampeders rookies, Outriders, Ralph the Dog, special guests