RO PRESIDENT SEND MESSAGE FROM SOUTH AMERICA
Once again we are on the cusp of another season here in Ontario. A fresh slate for every team in every division and a great time of the year to be involved be it as a player, official, coach, administrator or volunteer. I hope you all enjoy the season.
As I write this, the Blues are readying for the second leg of their tour of South America. The Jockey Club of Salta is hosting us after our three days in Santiago, Chile and we are looking forward to the game tomorrow. The tour ends playing Uruguay in Montevideo on Sunday.
I have heard rumours that players were being chastised for deciding to play against two national sides instead of remaining home and playing in local league games. I was quite taken aback on hearing this.Would the same questions be asked if the game was for Canada instead of the Blues? If Canada was travelling to South America to play Chile (23rd in the world) and then Uruguay (21st in the world) would we ask our athletes not to go in order to play in a league match? I think not and I hope these rumours are just that.
For those of you who are not yet believers in, or supporters of, this program, I personally would ask you watch these athletes play this fall when the CRC season begins. The commitment level I see in these young men is absolutely outstanding. They have given up a lot to be part of the Blues and they need your support. This means from the clubs and all the individuals involved in our sport in Ontario. These men are very proud to pull on the blue jerseys and represent their province and do so in an hostile environment here. They have acquitted themselves well on the pitch thus far and have been terrific ambassadors for the sport, the province and the country: you should all take pride in this.
As a personal note to the players and the staff, I would like to say this. I am very proud to be associated with each one of you and I am sure you will continue to show these countries what Canadians are made from. Play for our province, play for each other. Go Blues.
Sincerely, David Nelson
President