A Monday Morning of Magic

Monday was sheer magic.

Hundreds of children, aged 3-to-12, who live with disabilities, flooded the K-Days grounds at Northlands for a morning of excitement and inclusion.

Over 50 Eskimos players, coaches, executives and staff joined in the festivities to lend a helping hand.

“It’s been awesome to have all the kids out here with big smiles. It’s fun to go on the rides with them and it’s been a good time for everybody,” says wide receiver Nate Coehoorn.

“Being an Eskimo doesn’t just mean being a football player. We’re also people in the community and it’s good to come out and show that we’re people, not just athletes.”

The Eskimos spent Monday morning signing autographs, helping kids on and off rides and, most importantly, spending time with many amazing and deserving people.

“It’s hard to explain,” says Vikki Strawberry who came with her son Paul. “When you have a special needs child it’s something that is a community-based thing. You see all these people here and it makes you feel like part of the crowd, rather than being left out all the time.”

Paul rode the rides with the help of a giant on the midway — six-foot-eight offensive lineman Justin Sorensen. The pair could be seen zipping around and having a blast on the Silver Streak.

“Isn’t (Sorensen) fantastic?” says Vikki. “He’s a big guy, but Paul’s so tiny compared to the players. I’m thankful to have him here.”

“It means a lot, because we usually don’t get a chance to come to Klondike Days with Paul. To be able to have the Eskimos here is a wonder, because they can lift him and we can’t.”

Sorensen helped Paul, who is confined to a wheelchair, onto the ride and rode it with him — both of them waving their arms in the air and sporting grins that stretched ear-to-ear.

“He was just smiling away,” exclaimed Vikki. “This Monday Morning Magic itself is awesome and without it we wouldn’t be here.”

Elsewhere on fair grounds, nine-year-old Jessie Richards was immediately drawn to Esks corner Aaron Grymes and his most defining feature.

“Her dads got long hair so she was attracted to him right away,” says Jessie’s mom Roxie Malone-Richards. “I think she’s found a new friend.”

The two were seen hand-in-hand for the majority of the afternoon, whether it was standing in line for the swings or their hair blowing in the wind on the Kite Flyer.

“She loves it, we look forward to this day every year,” says Richards. “We love seeing the Eskimos and all the sports teams coming out to support the community. It’s just an awesome time for the kids. They get to have the place all themselves and they don’t have to fight with anybody to get on the rides.”

“It’s good to see them come out and be community-minded individuals.”

Although the ride made her tummy tickle, Jessie had an amazing time soaring through the air next to her new favourite Eskimo.

“That was a good one!” Grymes said while holding Jessie’s hand. “What’s next?”