Sea-Hawks flock to support St. John’s Terry Fox Run

By Jessica Burns | Sept. 26, 2014

Sammy Sea-Hawk and members of the Sea-Hawks teams at the Terry Fox RunThe Memorial University Sea-Hawks came out in droves for a great cause this month, with varsity student-athletes from every program attending and assisting with the annual Terry Fox Run, Sept. 14.

Members from the Sea-Hawks’ men’s and women’s soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross country, swimming and wrestling teams were in attendance for the run which kicked off at King George V Park at the head of Quidi Vidi Lake in downtown St. John’s.

Memorial’s men’s basketball team led participants in a warmup before running the race themselves. For veteran forward Caleb Gould, this was his fourth Terry Fox Run as a member of the Sea-Hawks team.

“I look forward to it each year,” he said. “It’s great to see everyone come together, donate and run for such a great cause. We led the warmup and got everyone loose and stretched, then started the countdown as we all poured into the course to run around the lake. It’s a great run and it was all smiles from everyone.”

The man behind the cause is still front-of-mind for Mr. Gould each year as he prepares for the run.

“It can be humbling to remember how far Terry was able to run, which as student athletes, we can take for granted sometimes,” he said. “So I think it’s important to take a few hours of our time to support and raise money for a cause that Terry Fox was so passionate about.”

For Memorial women’s volleyball setter Kirsten Sorensen, participation in the run struck a personal cord. “This past year, my grandfather was diagnosed with and treated for cancer,” she said. “All of the current surgeries, medications and technologies used to treat the disease would not be present today if it wasn’t for organizations such as the Terry Fox Foundation. Volunteering, in a sense, was a way to show my appreciation and say thanks to all the people who dedicate their time and effort to raise money year after year.”

As for the day itself, Ms. Sorensen said there was a definite "buzz" in the air down at the King George field.

"Despite the frigid weather, the music was bumping and people were dancing around to keep warm. The excitement of the runners, volunteers and event organizers was evident in everyone’s smiles ... knowing that their contributions, donations and support for this event are actively influencing people’s lives in a wonderful way."

The day’s events raised nearly $50,000 as some 700 participants took up the cause.

“Here in Newfoundland and Labrador, I’ve experienced a strong sense of community through our varsity programs,” added Mr. Gould, originally from Aurora, Ont. “I think it’s huge for student-athletes to find ways to give back to the community. Most athletes have had help from community members in their respective cities to get them to where they are today. We need to be aware of the help we receive and give back to help others.”


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