THUNDER BAY – Sports – The Lakehead Express Soccer Club (LEX) hosted its 3rd Annual Lakehead Express Alumni Game, in support of the Thunder Bay Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA) at the Sports Dome. Councillor At Large, Aldo Ruberto was on hand to officially congratulate LEX as they presented 1128 pounds of food to RFDA earlier today at the Sports Dome.
Lakehead Express Club Head Coach, Nick Fratpietro, led the alumni and players in their donation to the RFDA. “I am pleased to be here today as a part of the Club and to congratulate all the current and former players for their continued commitment to supporting active lifestyles through soccer for youth in our community,” said Fratpietro.
“Additionally, the support they have shown through this event each year for the Regional Food Distribution Association is a wonderful gift to the community and those in need.”
The RFDA fundraising initiative was a success in 2009 and 2010, and has garnered more support of team members this year. The donation of non-perishable food items was raised by the club’s competitive youth rep teams, and more was collected through admissions to the game. Volker Kromm, Executive Director of the RFDA, was on hand to accept the food and was delighted by the clubs contribution.
“It is great to see that youth are stepping forward and realizing the significance of these types of donations,” said Kromm. “As a community we need to continue to harness this type of positive energy. With the entire club getting behind this drive, it multiplies the effect the donation will have on the people in need.”
The City of Thunder Bay was represented by Councillor At Large, Aldo Ruberto, who believes organizations like LEX have an important role to play in supporting our community. “Here is another example of a sports club that is not just providing opportunities for its players to go onto higher levels of competition or education, but is engraining in our youth the importance of giving back to the community,” stated Ruberto.
The game itself will be played this evening at 7:00 p.m. This year’s format will be two 30 minute halves, with a skills competition at half time and penalty kicks at the end of the match. Admission to the game will be non-perishable food items that will be added to the Club’s total donation to the RFDA.