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Brett Lauther knows how important a community can be for a kid growing up wanting to play sports.
That’s why the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ kicker is always excited to participate in events that can help kids achieve their dreams.
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“We’re a community-owned team so the number one thing out here for me is making sure we give back to the community,” the Turor, N.S., product said.
“It’s right up there with what we do on the field. That’s why I moved out here. Why I live here in the offseason is to try and get to 50 or 60 schools a year and thousands of kids and try to give back. It meant the world for me when I was a kid and people were doing that.”
Lauther was one of the ambassadors at the KidSport Month kickoff at the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. KidSport is a charity that helps children ages five to 18 from families facing financial obstacles to participate in community sport programs. Since 1995, KidSport has raised more than $13 million to help more than 155,000 kids participate in sports.
At the event Lauther recalled a family from his hometown – Janet Hazelton and her son Patrick – who really helped him when he was young.
“Her son Patrick, I grew up with him and I basically lived at their house. Just a quick person to shout out along with so many people back home that were basically my KidSport growing up, so to try and give back, it’s a little full-circle for me right now,” Lauther said.
Children from Seven Stones Community School were also in attendance at the kickoff event. They are a part of the Dream Broker program, which is operating in 17 schools across the province and works with the school board and KidSport to ensure kids can participate in activities.
“It’s something that’s really a blessing to see the kids when you get that sign up done. You tell them ‘you’re going in gymnastics or hockey.’ Their eyes light up. That’s quite the payment in itself,” said David Singer, one of the Dream Brokers.
Kids from schools where the Dream Brokers program operates helped kick off KidSport Month. (Gillian Massie/980 CJME)
One of the kids attending the kickoff was 10-year-old Ivan Revet, who plays hockey and basketball. He said hockey is his favourite.
“It’s really fun and it gets you exercise, and you get to feel that breeze of the cold air. It’s really fun when you score a goal and the goalie doesn’t see it coming,” Revet said.
The support Lauther received as a kid paid off, as he gets set to start his seventh straight season as a member of the Riders. CFL training camps begin on May 11.
“Everyone is just champing at the bit here. It has been a long offseason here in Regina and a bunch of us have been preparing here and preparing all over North America. This year it’s a little different, and it does feel special. Can’t wait to get back around the guys next week in Saskatoon, and we are really fired up to get going,” Lauther said.
“There’s a lot of stuff that goes into a season. A lot of ups and downs and a lot of bonds that get formed. I think that’s what pushes you over the top come November, is playing for the guy next to you, and I am just looking forward to starting the journey.”
