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Ted Rhodes, Calgary Herald CALGARY, AB.: JUNE 4, 2011 -- RESENT to ADD AGE -- Calgary Stampeders running back Joffrey Reynolds has his picture taken with five year old fan Keara Woodworth after signing an autograph for her during KidSport Training Day at McMahon Stadium Saturday June 4, 2011. The annual camp provides KidSport children and their families with a football experience at no cost. Reyn football facts olds is the team's KidSport ambassador. The children also got to take part in a variety of practice drills with the Stampeders rookie camp hopefuls. t (Ted Rhodes/Calgary Herald) For Sports story by No Reporter Assigned. Trax # 00033563ACalgary Herald The commitment of professional athletes in today #39;s society extends beyond their prowess on the field or on the ice or on the court. They are i football facts ndividuals imbued with an opportunity to do more for the city, even the country in which they live, to the betterment of their fellow man.With a couple of professional teams that not only heed the call of community service but take it to the max, Calgary is indeed a lucky city.The Calgary Flames have always been knee deep in charitable causes, taking the lead from their ownership group and extendi football facts ng that dedication into the dressing room. A number of players have their name pinned to various organizations, each year doing their part to add to the coffers.-We have a significant profile in the community and we believe a great benefit can come from that, #39; #39; explained team president Ken King. -It #39;s a critical part of what we do. There #39;s a culture that came from the owners right football facts from the beginning, as individuals, they #39;re massive in their personal philanthropy and we are keepers of that. #39; #39; The team #39;s charitable arm, the Flames Foundation for Life, touches thousands of people in the areas of education, medical research and amateur sports and recreation. To name just a few of the initiatives: the Rotary Flames House, the first free-standing pediatric ho football facts spice for terminally ill children; donating $300,000 to the Kinnear Centre for Creativity and Innovation; and the Harley Hotchkiss scholarships, awarded each year to the city #39;s three post-secondary institutions in the name of the Flames #39; late owner.-I think on a personal level, most athletes in our sport are genuinely good people, thoughtful, caring people, #39; #39; pointed out defenceman football facts Cory Sarich(notes), who in the spring was named the latest recipient of the Ralph T. Scurfield Humanitarian Award for, among other attributes, dedication to community service. -I think it #39;s in most guys #39; best interest to want to give back. I don #39;t think there #39;s too many guys that you have to twist their arms to find initiative.-For me, the biggest thing is kids. Having my own thre football facts e small kids, I #39;ve used facilities like the children #39;s hospital, been to different functions where you see children in need, children with different illnesses. It #39;s a soft spot for me. #39; #39;Flames captain Jarome Iginla(notes) has been involved with KidSport Calgary and Canada for years, donating $2,000 for every regular-season goal he scores.-I love KidSport, #39; #39; acknowledged football facts Iginla, who has raised $550,000 for the organization. -I believe in sports for kids and having the opportunity. I think it #39;s so much more than just having fun; it builds character, team work, perseverance, all those things that I was so fortunate to be a part of in sports.-Being part of the Flames, the organization and the ownership are very passionate about Calgary and being involved and the football facts y #39;ve set an example. They encourage us to find things we feel good about as individuals.-It #39;s been a tradition - before I got here - and we #39;re carrying it on. #39; #39;Not to be outdone by their cross-town counterparts, the Calgary Stampeders, too, make giving to worthwhile organizations a focal point of their existence, right alongside winning on the field.-It goes without saying that football facts it #39;s a part of the fibre of the Canadian Football League, #39; #39; agreed Stamps president Lyle Bauer of the notion of giving back to those in need. -Name recognition is high whether it #39;s sports or politics. But it #39;s not an obligation, it #39;s a privilege. Our players want to give back. They want to be great citizens of this city.-Some of the things we do are very organized; others football facts are one-offs, such as attending kids #39; football practices. Our players are really committed to thousands of hours annually. #39; #39;The Stamps are involved in countless charitable endeavours throughout the year, as players who remain in Calgary over the winter are habitually called upon to take part in offseason activities.The recently held Pink-Power is an annual event which raises money for football facts the Canadian Cancer Society; from 2008-10, more than $100,000 has been collected, with a record $48,000 in 2010.Running back Joffrey Reynolds is the team representative for KidSport, receiver Nik Lewis heads the United Way initiative, while fullback Rob Cote is linked to Hospice Calgary, a few on a long list.-We #39;ve had a long tradition of having strong roots in our community, #39; #39; noted d football facts efensive lineman Justin Phillips, who as the Alberta Children #39;s Hospital team rep visits the wards the day before every home game. -Being part of the community in Calgary is important for the CFL as well as our organization. The players enjoy giving back because it wasn #39;t too long ago that we were playing minor football. #39; #39;The Stamps are typically involved in between 150 and 200 com football facts munity events each year and one of their most eager participants is defensive back Brandon Smith(notes), who extols the benefits of the human touch.-Putting smiles on people #39;s faces, #39; #39; suggested Smith. -It #39;s one thing for them to see you on TV and they don #39;t get to know you personally. But when you go out and let them know you #39;re down to earth and you can laugh and joke wit football facts h them, that gives them a sense of a real person, not just the star they see on TV. #39; #39; Play Fantasy Hockey, now with Pro Leagues! And follow Yahoo! Sports' NHL coverage on Twitter. Updated 12 hours, 49 minutes ago football facts
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