The Argos have wrapped up a Regional Tour of Oshawa that lasted more than a week in total. Below is a summary of the events:
May 30:
The Oshawa Regional Tour will culminated with Argos Family Fest on Saturday at Lakeview Park where fans and families enjoyed the Argos inflatables, including the RONA inflatable that is two stories tall and 100 feet x 60 feet.
Fans had the chance to meet Argos players and cheerleaders, listen to music, converse with well- known Argos Alumnus Peter “The Mad Canadian” Paquette, and enjoy a delicious BBQ.
May 29:
On the second-to-last day in Oshawa, Monsignor Paul Dwyer H.S. grade Andre Talbot travelled from Durham Radio to Lakeridge Health to the city’s new permanent Blood Donor Clinic and finished at the Eastview Boys and Girls Club.
Talbot kick started his day when he was live on air for an entire hour from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. bouncing from Rock94.9 to CKDO and finally on KX96. He shared a laugh with the hosts as they welcomed him back to where his football career began.
#9 and the Argos cheerleaders Anna and Rochelle then toured Lakeridge Health Centre. They put smiles on the faces of sick kids in the children’s ward then spent time in the stroke re-hab centre. At each stop, Andre’s 2004 Grey Cup ring stole the show as everyone marveled at its size. His message to them was, “we’re going to get another one this year so I’ll have a matching set.”
Then it was off to the new permanent blood donation clinic in Oshawa (on the SW corner of Taunton & Harmony). Those who donated passed time by chatting with Andre and the Argos cheerleaders, Kristi and Tasha, or goofing around with mascot Jason. The Argos are Partners for Life and have committed to donating 60 units of blood this year.
Finally, Andre returned to the Eastview Boys & Girls club for the first time in more than a decade. Now a spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Toronto, Andre spent his high school days volunteering his time at Eastview. Andre painted faces, met with families and ran kids through a miniature obstacle course.
May 27:
The Argos hosted their Thank You Oshawa event at the Bulldog Pub in Oshawa on Tuesday night. Members of Oshawa city council, the CAW, Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, Oshawa Community Health Centre, and the Rock 94.9 morning show crew with contest winners from both Rock 94.9 and Oshawa This Week all enjoyed the event.
Oshawa native WR Andre Talbot, OG Taylor Robertson and OT Bryan Ramsay, members of the 2009 Argos Cheerleaders, presented by the Toronto Sun, and front office staff all tasted the Bull Dog’s world famous wings while mixing with local bar patrons and the invited guests.
All of the special guests were recruited to join the Argos this season to form one of the best off-field teams in the CFL. Everyone was offered a standard player contract, and when they put their name to paper they received their signing bonus – a new CFL football – had their picture with Taylor Robertson and members fo the cheerleading team, and are now eagerly preparing for the upcoming season.
Also on Tuesday, Argos Manager, Community Relations, Jason Colero and Argos Cheerleader Brigette, in partnership with the Oshawa Community Health Centre, shared their stories with the parents and children of Oshawa. The two Argonauts representatives reiterated messages from the Boatmen’s award winning Huddle Up Bullying Prevention Program and Brigette taught the group what it means to Argo-cise! The group broke a sweat while sharing a laugh with Argos mascot Jason.
Each student received a poster and certificate acknowledging their participation in the event as a special thank you from the Oshawa Health Centre and the Toronto Argonauts.
May 26:
Randy Alexander, an Argos season ticket holder for more than 35 years, welcomed the Toronto Argonauts into his house last night during the 2009 Oshawa Regional Tour. Over 30 guests enjoyed a great BBQ with one lucky winner, Aimee, took home a fantastic Argos prize pack. QB Kerry Joseph, OG Taylor Robertson, LB Jason Pottinger were joined by a very special guest, Argos Vice Chair, Michael “Pinball” Clemons. He addressed the group, speaking about ‘putting your name to it’ and being proud of being a Toronto Argonauts season ticket holder. The 2009 Argos Cheerleaders, presented by the Toronto Sun, were also in attendance and the night was considered by all to be a grand success.
May 25:
The Toronto Argonauts kicked off the 2009 Oshawa Regional Tour at the Oshawa Centre where Toronto Argonauts CB Jordan Younger and DB Jason Shivers joined the 2009 Argos Cheerleaders, presented by the Toronto Sun. In addition to getting autographs, passersby were able to test their skills at the kicking and throwing inflatables, and had a chance to enter to win a great Argos Prize Pack. It was the perfect event to launch the Argos regional tour that will see the Boatmen host or support 13 events in only seven days throughout the city of Oshawa.
May 21:
The Oshawa Chamber of Commerce and the Toronto Argonauts hosted the first annual Biz After 5 Fantasy Football camp on Wednesday at University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT).
More than 50 chamber members enjoyed great food, weather and a once in a lifetime experience to be taught by the pros. They were put through drills led by #26 DB Jordan Younger and Argos draft pick DB Matt Black. They taught everyone about the defensive back position in the CFL, including tip drill, back pedal, and how to read your receiver. New Argos linebacker, and Whitby native, Jason Pottinger had everyone hitting – with the pads of course – and gave them an inside look into the linebacker position. At the third station, the campers turned football pros were cheered on by the 2009 Argos Cheerleaders, presented by the Toronto Sun, as they worked through quarterback and receiver drills. Those drills were led by former Guelph Gryphon and Argos account rep Jaren Hayman – who also happens to be the grandson of the great Lew Hayman.
The experience ended when Younger led the breakdown, telling everyone that working together is the key to a successful season both on and off the field. Everyone then indulged in a delicious barbeque while networking with each other. For more information on the Oshawa Chamber of Commerce and how you an get involved please visit www.oshawachamber.com
See photos of the entire tour below: