Latest news with #LarryThompson
Edmonton Journal
a day ago
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
Are the Edmonton Elks putting too much pressure on Ford's shoulders?
Optimism and goodwill can come and go fast in life, and in the sports world, too. Article content Quicker than anyone could have imagined, it appears to be happening here in Larry Thompson's first true year of ownership of the Edmonton Elks, after purchasing the once-proud CFL team last August. Article content When Thompson stepped forward, enthusiastically buying the club he has loved since childhood, there was plenty to be optimistic about. Article content Just prior to the purchase, following a frustrating 0-5 start, Chris Jones was relieved from his coaching duties by Rick LeLachuer and the board. In retrospect, it's worth noting that four of those five losses were by three points, including three by field goals as time expired. Article content Article content And while we're looking back, it's worth noting right before Thompson came aboard as the private owner, interim head coach Jarious Jackson had won back-to-back games, beating Saskatchewan, 42-31, and B.C., 33-16. Article content Those first signs of success brought hope, and gaining a private owner with Edmonton roots brought even more. Then a few months later, the decision to go all in on Edmonton football ties — with former players Chris Morris as club president, and Ed Hervey as general manager — seemed to generate even more optimism. Article content Admittedly, some wondered why Jackson, who had gone an impressive 7-6 under the interim tag, was never given serious consideration to remain on as head coach. But the hiring of the well-liked Mark Kilam, with strong Edmonton ties himself, seemed to fit the local model. So too did the hirings of co-ordinators Jordan Maksymic and J.C. Sherritt, with one having growing up in St. Albert and the other a former Green and Gold great. Article content Article content How quickly things have changed over the past few months, though. Article content Article content As disappointing as the current 1-4 record is, a few things jump out that make it even worse. At the risk of piling on, let's consider the following: Article content • The four losses have all been by double digits. Article content • Last Sunday's final score, where the Lions won 32-14, actually flattered the Elks, who were totally dominated. B.C. won the total yardage battle by an astounding 519-160 yards. Article content • The big Tre Ford experiment has, so far, yielded mixed results. The young Canadian QB has flashed brilliance at times, and even looked good in a couple of losses. But last Sunday's 4-of-12 performance for all of 34 yards passing was about as ugly as it gets. Article content And now the question has to be asked: Who made the decision to anoint Ford as the face of this new regime? Was it pushed by ownership or management for marketing reasons? Was it the general manager, or was it a coaching decision exclusively?
The Citizen
22-04-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Step up for a cause: Strides 4 Hope Walk returns and needs your support
Step up for a cause: Strides 4 Hope Walk returns and needs your support The Strides 4 Hope Walk, in proud partnership with Cansa is set to return from July 22 to 26, and this year, organisers are calling on businesses and individuals to join the mission by becoming event sponsors. Designed to raise both awareness and vital funds, this locally rooted project will see a group of 20 to 30 everyday individuals walking a total of 100km across Gauteng, ending with a community 5km fun run in Alberton on the final Saturday. Covering 100km over five days, this powerful awareness and fundraising campaign unites a group of ordinary people walking for an extraordinary cause – raising funds to support cancer patients and Cansa facilities across Gauteng. Each day will highlight a different form of cancer, with the walkers, fondly called The Brave Team, wearing colour-coded shirts to reflect each cause. Last year's event was a resounding success, and this year's walk promises even greater reach. But to make it happen, sponsors are urgently needed. Supporters can 'buy a stride' for R5, contribute to the project in many other ways, or simply show up to cheer on the walkers along the route. 'This isn't about super athletes. It's about real people doing something extraordinary,' says Larry Thompson, marketing liaison. 'What makes our walkers so extraordinary is that they are not super athletes. We have a 73-year-old grandmother, a lady struggling with diabetes, and another lady who struggles with chronic back pain. 'None of the walkers are super fit, but they are out there putting strain on their bodies because they want to make a difference. That's the kind of courage we're celebrating.' Behind the scenes, the success of the Strides 4 Hope Walk relies on sponsorships and support from both the corporate and private sectors. Opportunities include: • Sponsoring a day: Fund team shirts, food, and water for one day's walk. Your brand will be printed on the shirts worn by The Brave Team. • Supporting the logistics team: Sponsorship covers shirts and refreshments for the support crew, with brand placement on shirts and online. • Covering transport & traffic costs: Help ensure safe passage and delivery of supplies and teams with fuel, vehicle rental, and road management assistance. • Marketing and awareness: Sponsor the website, social media campaigns, and promotional materials. • Merchandising: Assist with the cost of trail mix and snack pack production to help raise additional funds. • Care packages: Donations will be used to deliver outreach gifts to patients at Cansa facilities and Johannesburg General Hospital. 'Our biggest challenge right now is transportation and logistics,' Thompson adds. 'But with the right partners, we can make sure every kilometre walked has maximum impact.' As part of the promotional strategy, sponsors will be featured on video ads on the Alberton LewenSentrum YouTube channel which boasts over 600 000 views per month, as well as on social media, the event website, and printed materials. With cancer affecting not just individuals, but also families, workplaces, and communities, initiatives like the Strides 4 Hope Walk aim to unite South Africans in shared compassion and action. To get involved, whether as a donor, sponsor, volunteer, or participant, contact Elize Damon at 060 718 8935. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
