Dropping the Ball on Motionball
A week ago at work, a colleague mentioned that he would be participating in Motionball's Marathon of Sport, on September 22 in Kelowna.
"Hey," I said, "If you send me the information I will post it on my website for you."
Except, confession time, I got busy, and didn't. Sorry, Josh. So, this article is a bit overdue, but it still comes from the heart.
Motionball, according to their website, is a not-for-profit organization which raises awareness and funding for Special Olympics Canada Foundation. They now hold events in 20 cities across Canada. In Kelowna, this happened yesterday, at City Park, where 30 teams braved the rainy weather to compete in a variety of events. After competing in sports ranging from soccer to basketball and others, the primarily young professionals who participated had the opportunity to enjoy refreshments in the beer garden. According to Castanet's Madison Erhardt, 2018's Motionball Marathon of Sport was Kelowna's biggest yet.
The Motionball website says they target "a 'next generation' of supporters – Canada’s professional crowd who are not defined by their age but rather their mind set." My friend Josh definitely fits this description. When I asked him how he got involved, he told me when he moved to the area other friends invited him. Josh says of the Marathon of Sport, "70% of all donated proceeds stay in the community (Central Okanagan!) to support local athletes, and the remainder goes to support National Special Olympics." 2018, he says proudly, is the sixth year he has participated.
While Motionball Marathons take place in cities across Canada, there is one element which is particular to the Kelowna event. Not only do teams compete on the playing field, they also compete with each other, as each registered team (ten participants) is responsible to raise $1600 in pledges. One of the ways Josh's team raised cash was through a silent auction. Here is a link for anyone interested in participating. https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/45007/auctions/55153?t=all
For more information on how to become involved in Motionball or to make a donation, please visit their website at https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/45007/auctions/55153?t=all
