HUDSON BAY — An official Saskatchewan Roughrider block party featuring four players from the team raised around $13,000 for improvements for the Hudson Bay Aquatic Centre.
The pool needs a new boiler and needs to be relined.
Defensive back Jovon Johnson, wide receiver Christion Jones, running back Jerome Messam and running back Marcus Thigpen came to the fundraiser at the Wally Dawyduk Arena July 21, chatting with fans, signing autographs and taking part in a question and answer session.
Johnson said it was awesome to see how many local Rider fans came out, noting that while Hudson Bay is around four hours away from Regina, it was amazing to see how everybody bleeds green.
“Our fans are the most influential people when we’re out on that field because they make it hard for the opposing team to come in and play against us,” he said. “You’ve got to give them credit for all that they do for us and we’re just so appreciative of what we have here in Saskatchewan.”
The defensive back said Hudson Bay’s the furthest he’s been out of Regina while touring within the province for the team.
Tawnya Tremblay was the one who nominated Hudson Bay for the block party after receiving a link to an online nomination form on an online newsletter she subscribes to.
“I just thought it would be kind of neat to have that. What could you have to lose? The worst thing is you don’t get one.”
So Tremblay filled out the form – and forgot about it.
“I got an email in May,” she said, “that said, ‘congratulations, your community is in the finals,’ and I’m like, ‘I need help if I do this.’”
She contacted Meagan Dickson, who helped organize the final event, but before that could happen, the community had to win an online vote. The link to the vote was promoted on Facebook, through the local radio station and by text. Of course, they won the block party.
Tremblay said she’s pleased the community was so supportive of the event.
“I’m really proud of the community for showing up like it did.”
As for the Roughriders winning the Grey Cup, Johnson, who was on the team when they won it in 2007, said it will take discipline.
“Coach preaches about it every day and they track our penalties in practice,” he said. “Those things that happen in practice show up on game days and one thing right now that we’re struggling with is the number of penalties that we’re taking.”
He added the team could meet any other team in the league athletically, but they need to avoid shooting themselves in the foot by taking penalties while making sure they do what they need to do on the field.
