A Calgary junior football team is celebrating its home opener win extra hard after a massive water break derailed pre-season plans.
The Calgary Colts were practicing at Shouldice Athletic Park on June 5, when water starting rolling on the field because of a massive water main break.
Players jumped in to help city staff by bringing items to higher ground, ultimately salvaging many pieces of equipment before evacuating the area.
The city says in the time since the water break and subsequent flooding of the field, crews have worked hard to remove water, repair turf and dressing rooms, replace damaged equipment, and relocate practices for the Colts.
Over the weekend, just 37 days after much of the park was left underwater, the Colts returned to Shouldice Park to defeat the Edmonton Wildcats in their first home game of the season.
“This achievement is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the people of Calgary,” said Brent Allardyce, Chairman of the Calgary Colts, in a statement. “Special thanks go to Corinna Pleysier, Team Lead with Recreation & Social Programs, the City staff at Shouldice Athletic Park and Recreation’s Customer Service Centre staff who worked tirelessly under difficult conditions.”
Water damage still presented challenges, but the city says the game’s success highlight the collaborative effort between the City of Calgary and the Colts.
“Both the Colts and The City share in this success, and those in City of Calgary leadership should be aware of the outstanding job done by these individuals,” Brent added.
“I take immense pride on behalf of everyone involved in this achievement,” remarked Corinna Pleysier. “Together, The City and the Calgary Colts demonstrated strength, resilience and spirit of community that sport and recreation brings out in all of us.”
The Colts next home game is on Sunday, Aug. 25 at 1 p.m., when the Saskatoon Hilltops will pay a visit to Shouldice Park.