edmontonhappenings: August 2009

Edmonton Cheer Team

By Ron Palmer

One of the great things done by the organizers of Capital Ex is the Monday Morning Madness, where Kids with disabilities get to ride the rides without having to worry about lineups, loud noises and big crowds. This year was no different, with kids from all walks of life and various disabilities laughing and playing, they all had a great time along with there parents.

Riding 4x4, meeting ponies, fighting fires and seeing there favourite sports stars, the looks of joy on their faces was something to behold. I am sure the volunteers who gave their time to host the event have some idea what it meant to the children and their parents. They also made over 300 lunches to make sure the day ended correctly, Hot dogs of course, what would the fair be without a hot dog.

Many thanks to Edmonton Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services, the Edmonton Eskimos team (I believe they were all there),the Edmonton Eskimos cheer team, Edmonton Oilers Steve McIntyre, Jason Strudwick, the Edmonton Oil Kings and Edmonton Rush player Jimmy Quinlan for the support they gave to all the kids,posing for pictures and riding the rides with the kids as well. Ever seen an Edmonton Eskimo try and fit in a kiddie swing

(we have pictures) or an Edmonton Eskimos wearing a balloon hat.

It was definitely all for the kids.

Having come from Toronto, originally, I am an Edmontonian now and proud of it, in Toronto this would never happen on the scale that it does in Edmonton. Not only participation from all of the sports franchises but also the news media making sure the day got its due.

All I can say is "the children thank you all."