By Nigel Maxwell

‘Studs’ and ‘Cruisers’ ready for Relay for Life

Jun 1, 2018 | 8:00 AM

The 18th annual Relay for Life takes place this Saturday at Kinsmen Park, and two of the teams could not be more excited.

Both the Studs and Peelers and the Cosmo Cruisers, who have participated every year since the event’s beginning, are making their return this year. Norm Hill, captain of the Cosmo Cruisers, said the reason they first got involved was quite emotional.

“We had a couple members of our clubs who had lost their sons to cancer,” he said. “It really hit home.”

In addition to walking around the track, Hill has also been active behind the scenes with the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. The Cosmo Cruisers have also helped provide power to all tents on the grounds during the event.

“We kind of do double duty,” he joked. 

Riderville

Riders Have Options Heading into Tuesday CFL Draft

3h ago

Weekend hockey

PAGC set to host largest Senator's Cup tournament to date

4h ago

VAISAKHI MELA

Hundreds flocking to P.A. for Vaisakhi Mela celebration

4h ago

Although the makeup of their team has changed over the years, the Studs and Peelers have traditionally been made up of current and retired members of forest service employees. Captain Val Nicholson said when she first heard about the event she was immediately interested and worked hard to recruit her co-workers.

“Around that same time we also had a colleague who had been recently diagnosed with cancer, so I guess it kind of jumped off the page at me,” she said.

When asked what brings her back each year, Nicholson said cancer awareness is an issue that never goes away, and walking the track is the best way she feels she can show support for her friends and others who have been diagnosed with cancer.

“Every year you have a new friend or new family member that’s affected by cancer, and you feel helpless because you can’t a lot for them or their treatment,” she said. “This is something we can do.”

To date, the Studs and Peelers have raised over $110,000 for the cause. 

One of the big changes to the event this year is the venue moving from Prime Minister’s park to Kinsmen Park. The event start time has been moved to noon on Saturday. Nicholson said she thinks it’s good to change things up.

“Kinsmen Park is beautiful and the new venue and time might also bring out some new people who have not taken part in the event before,” she said.

The Relay for Life is the Canadian Cancer Society’s largest annual fundraiser, with communities in more than 20 countries participating in the effort to raise critical funds needed to help people living with cancer and support life-saving research. In 2017, Prince Albert’s event raised over $125,000. 

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell