Feb. 7, 2017
Virden, MB – The Virden Oil Capitals held their second annual First Responders game Saturday, November 12, 2016, against Portage Terriers featuring special RCMP jerseys. The Capitals trailed past the Portage Terriers in the First Responders game 4-1 with 1,287 fans in the crowd cheering them on! The RCMP Jerseys went up for auction on eBay.ca for 10 days after the game with a portion of the proceeds going to the Virden Skate Park.
Constable Giannico, member of the Virden RCMP detachment said, “There were six RCMP members in attendance at Virden Oil Capitals Emergency Services night. Each and every one of us members felt extremely proud to stand at attention, in our Red Serge’s while the Oil Cap team wore the Red Serge jerseys as the national anthem played. The First Responders night showed us RCMP members that we are supported and appreciated by the community and the Virden Oil Capitals organization. The Red Serge jerseys were an amazing touch to the night as RCMP members from all over Canada commented on how amazing the jerseys were and how sharp the players looked in them.”
With the total officially in from eBay, a cheque presentation was able to occur, Monday, February 6 at the Tundra Oil & Gas Place. The Capitals proudly donated $2,500 to the Virden Skate Park, which was the RCMP’s organization of choice.
“The Virden skate park committee was chosen as they are trying to build a community skate park for youth of all ages. The skate park will provide youths a safe place to skateboard and BMX. Skate parks have many benefits to them. Skateboarding and BMXing provide kids with an inexpensive physical activity, which requires an extreme amount of energy and muscle coordination.”
Constable Giannico continued, “Instead of playing video games while couch surfing, children get a cardio workout while having fun at the same time. Youth can be involved in a constructive and positive activity, which curbs unlawful behaviour, and it has been proven to stop youth from being involved in drugs or alcohol. Lastly, the enthusiasm and motivation shown by the committee members have inspired me to join the group and help them achieve their goal.”
The Oil Capitals are very grateful for everyone’s support at the game and following with the auction, making the Second Annual First Responders game a huge success! “I really appreciated working with Public Relations & Marketing Manager, Brandi Pollock and Sales Manager and Assistant Coach Carter Duffin, who worked extremely hard in making the night as special as it was to all involved. Thank you!” Said Constable Giannico.