Winter is hopefully coming to an end in Cochrane and summer is thankfully just around the corner (though that may be hard to grasp at this moment), which means a new slew of athletics will be offered in the community.
Football, soccer, baseball, rugby…the great outdoors is the place to be every chance a sun-seeking Cochranite can get.
The more venues Cochrane can offer for outdoor sports enthusiasts the better, and recent developments on the new turf field being put in next to Bow Valley High School by Lions Football sure point toward a fortunate turn of events for that project – going from having to use an eight-year-old turf field from McMahon Stadium to essentially getting a brand new turf for free — once you consider the discount they are receiving and subsequent sponsorship to help pay for the remainder.
So how did they get this amazing deal?
Well, according to Cam Cote of Lions Football, a Cochrane Eagle article titled ‘Lions Football dismayed over turf controversy’ (Feb. 27) was what spurred an influx of offers.
“Thanks to all the great coverage you provided, our story received national attention,” said Cote, “and we received calls from all the turf manufacturers wanting to supply the Cochrane field with new turf.”
This was not only an amazingly positive turn of events for the Lions Football turf project, but also a proud moment for the Eagle’s editorial department. Not only had our story received ‘national attention,’ but it had helped the community we serve get brand new turf at potentially no cost.
“Keep up the great coverage and hopefully more great deals will come our way,” Cote expressed.
These kinds of stories are what feed your local reporters and editors, and bring them pride in the work they do for their respective community.
It also shows the important role community newspapers play in each of their respective areas.
Sports is an important part of growing up – they not only keep kids active and healthy, but also help them make friends, learn to be part of a team, get them away from the TV and video games and establish a type of lifestyle they carry forward to adulthood.
This is why we continue to advocate here at the Eagle for the development of as many indoor and outdoor sports venues that the community can get. Whether it’s a turf field, grass field, ice hockey rink, basketball or tennis court, baseball diamond, or a pool, each would contribute to a happy, healthy and ‘sustainable’ community.
