Seven days and 12 events later, Argonauts.ca takes a look at what the Boatmen were doing in the town of Newmarket over the last week:
Saturday, May 9:
The Toronto Argonauts capped off their Newmarket Regional Tour on Saturday with Argos Family Fest at Ray Twinney Park in Newmarket. Poor weather conditions moved the event indoors, but the rain didn’t dampen the day’s spirits.
A few hundred fans arrived throughout the day and were treated to some fun with defensive backs Jason Shivers, Will Poole, LB Richard Seigler and RB Da’Shawn Thomas. The event included face painting, the Argos inflatables, Newmarket’s kid train and performances by the Argos Cheerleaders and local dance groups. Argos Vice Chair, Michael “Pinball” Clemons, legendary coach Leo Cahill, and Argos mascot Jason were also in attendance.
The minor football game was moved indoors but the teams returned and the players enjoyed their share of football fun. Park benches with sketches of players and cheerleaders hands were painted, and the benches themselves will be donated to Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket.
Argos Family Fest was the final event of the week-long Newmarket tour which included library visits, school stops, chamber of commerce events and a V.I.P. thank you event at Jack Astor’s.
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Friday, May 8:
The Argos took their message of ‘healthy mind and healthy body’ to the Newmarket Public Library on the second to last day of the Newmarket Regional Tour. Many young girls and boys, with their parents, listened quietly as Jason Shivers and Will Poole read their favourite books when they were kids. Shivers explained that his favourite book, The Little Engine That Could, reminds him of himself because he often feels like he puts everything he can into a task. Poole read from Where The Wild Things Are, a book he remembers fondly as a youth.
The Argos Cheerleaders were also there. They started by leading the group through a cheer, then worked them through some stretching and finally another cheer. The girls also chose their favourite books – I love you Forever by Robert Munsch and and a selection from teh Nancy Drew series. All four books, including the players books, were signed and raffled off at the end of the event.
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Thursday, May 7:
The Toronto Argonauts continued their Newmarket Regional Tour stop on Thursday with a visit to a local minor football practice featuring the York-Simcoe Bucs at Huron Heights S.S. fields as well as ran the year’s first Argos Recess presented by Tim Hortons.
Over 300 students were in attendance and were treated to some fun with defensive backs Jason Shivers and Will Poole and Argos Cheerleaders Brigette, Alessandra and Michele. The Argos added a new component to the Argo Recess program this year called “Argo-cise”. This great, new addition teaches students exercises that each school can utilize for their required 20 minutes of daily physical activity.
Following Argos Recess, over 100 minor football athletes received one-on-one coaching and advice from Toronto Argonaut players. The players addressed their minor football counterparts about what it takes to get to the next level and explained the importance of exercise and training. The Argos also took part in most of the drills and offered inside ‘tidbits’ on how to get better at their individual positions.
Commented Poole, “This is what it’s all about, giving back to the kids and showing them where they can be one day. I love it out here on the field.”
The evening featured a visit to the Best Western as members of the Argonauts were guests of the Rotary Club of Newmarket weekly meeting. Argos Manager, Community Relations Jason Colero spoke about a future joint-youth community effort between the Rotary Clubs and the Toronto Argonauts.
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Wedesday, May 6:
The Newmarket Chamber of Commerce and the Toronto Argonauts hosted the first annual Fantasy Football camp Wedensday, May 6 at Pickering College.
Over 50 chamber members ran tested their skills, ran through drills and were cheered on by 2009 Argos Cheerleaders. #6 DB Jason Shivers taught all participants the defensive back pedal and how to pull down interceptions. #95 LB Richard Seigler brought an insiders approach to linebacker drills while also going through ladder drills and a sack test. The third station was led by #18 RB Da’Shawn Thomas & #20 DB Will Poole who walked the groups through basic offensive and defensive skills like throwing, running and defending.
Following camp, everyone enjoyed a BBQ and autograph session with the players and cheerleaders. For more information on the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce and how you can get involved, please visit www.newmarketchamber.ca .
This morning (Thursday, May 7) the Argonauts are launching the Tim Hortons Argos Recess at Denne Public School, and later in the day Shivers and Seigler will be attending a York-Simcoe Bucs practice. Members of the Argos front office will also be speaking to the Newmarket Rotary. Check back here tomorrow for all the photos.
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Tuesday, May 5:
The Toronto Argonauts, on their way to completing 12 events in seven days during the Newmarket Regional Tour, stopped off at Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill and hosted a V.I.P. Thank You event for the town on Tuesday, May 5. Members of the Town Council, including Chris Emanuel and Victor Woodhouse, the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce, local business people, and Newmarket Era Banner contest winners were all in attendance. Joining them were Argos OG Taylor Robertson , LB Richard Seigler and the 2009 Argos Cheerleaders. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful evening with complimentary food and beverages.
Today, Wednesday, May 6, the Argonauts are hosting a Fantasy Football Mini-Camp in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce (visit http://www.newmarketchamber.ca for more information). Check back here tomorrow for all the photos.
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Monday, May 4:
The Toronto Argonauts continued their Newmarket tour with a house party at a lucky season-ticket holder house Monday, May 4th. Along with plenty of food and beverages, the event included Argos OG Taylor Robertson and LB Richard Seigler. Argos Cheerleaders were also in attendance, as well as Newmarket Mayor, Tony Van Bynen, and town Councilor Chris Emanuel.
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Saturday, May 2:
The Toronto Argonauts kicked off the 2009 Newmarket Regional Tour at Steve & Adele’s No Frills with an afternoon barbecue filled with interactive inflatables, players, cheerleaders, family and friends.
Despite a windy battle, the Argos ‘Big Bertha’ kicking and throwing inflatable provided a lot of fun for both children and adults. Argos LB Jason Pottinger and CB Jordan Younger joined the Argos Cheerleaders as they met with fans and signed autographs for many in attendance. Even All-Time Argonauts RB Bill Symons was on hand to showcase his grilling skills on the barbecue.
In addition, the Argos were also at the 31st Holland Annual River and Community Clean-Up where mascot Jason and members of the Argos Cheerleaders did their part to keep the city of Newmarket clean.
A special thank you goes out to the town of Newmarket and its councilors, Steve & Adele’s No Frills & staff and Marc Angelo foods. For more information on the 2009 Newmarket Regional Tour and upcoming events click here.
The Argo’s next tour will begin on May 23 in Oshawa and will feature another seven days of great family fun! Keep checking argonauts.ca for more details.