The G.P. Vanier Towhees senior boys rugby sevens team has qualified for the provincial championship this week in Abbotsford.
The team won the North Island Championship in convincing manner May 12, and finished second at the Island championship May 23 and 24 at Esquimalt Secondary in Victoria.
“The Kitto Real Estate Team wants to support this team on their quest to become B.C. champions, but most importantly we want to say a big thank you to Ken Erickson for doing such an awesome job coaching every athlete to play rugby for Vanier since 1991,” said Kitto. “He teaches players to be gentlemen and to represent themselves, and former and future Towhees, with excellent behaviour and sportsmanship. He is truly an awesome leader and coach, and the community should be very thankful.
“Erickson only has a handful of years left teaching and coaching, and we want to support him and the team the best we can while we can. We are also lucky to have Jeremiah Nikkel coaching alongside Ken. JB’s wealth of international experience is a tremendous asset. We value his efforts with the team, and want to say thanks very much to him as well.”
School sports can be quite costly. Successful teams that qualify for out-of-town competitions end up with exorbitant costs to be covered by players, parents and often the coaches themselves. The Kitto Real Estate team plans to cover the remaining costs for this team to travel to provincials.
“Next year, our goal is to cover all the team’s expenses, including jerseys and shorts, equipment and travel expenses,” said Kitto. “We wish to encourage all potential players to come out and compete to be the best they can be, and we hope to eliminate cost from being a factor that could deter them.”
The Kitto Real Estate Team has sponsored this team, and wants to raise as much money as possible to support these athletes. So far, the team has raised a little more than $3,000. Their goal is $6,000 this year, and $10,000 next year. They are also selling vintage Vanier rugby jerseys for $100 to help raise funds.
This is a tremendous opportunity to support an awesome group of players and coaches who have the chance to represent Vanier and the Comox valley at the B.C. championships.
Kitton notes that Devon Knapfl of Aces Roofing and Happy’s Source for Sports each donated four rugby balls to Towhees.
To donate or contribute, contact Kitto at (250) 650-8088.
Go Towhees!
