(Stittsville’s Holden Maat is a Bell Warriors tackle football player who enjoys the sport and feels fortunate to belong to such a great organization. Photo: Mark Kelly, Stittsville)
Andrea Chamberlain is a busy Stittsville mom and business co-owner with her husband Jon Tackabury. Together they own Binary Fortress. On September 12, 2021, knowing the challenges the Bell Warriors Club has experienced during the pandemic and the importance of physical activity for kids, Andrea and Jon partnered with the Warriors tackle football program to become a Gold Sponsor. This sponsorship ensures that affordability and access is obtainable for all kids to play the sport they love.
Andrea shared her story with Stittsville Central of her apprehensiveness when her son, Holden, wanted to play tackle football; and, her realization that the Warriors Club’s leadership and ethics would play an important role beyond football in her son’s life.
“When my son asked to play tackle football, I was more then a little nervous. I wasn’t sure that I was ready to watch my youngest run after kids, some nearly twice his size, and attempt to tackle them to the ground. Before the first week of practice was over, I realized that I had misjudged what this sport was really about.
“Sitting on the sidelines, I’ve watched my son and his teammates grow not just in their physical ability but in confidence and camaraderie as well. The Warriors are an inclusive club that prides itself on empowering kids through hard work and teamwork. This club is a family.
“While sitting on the sidelines, the other thing I couldn’t help but notice was the need. Registration fees and equipment are an extra expense that many families can’t justify right now. Covid has taken its toll on many families and businesses in our community and recreational sports is no exception.
“We decided as a business and a family to donate to the Warriors because we believe that every child should have the opportunity to participate in sport regardless of economic background. If you’re a business looking to sponsor a local cause, please reach out to Paul Stewart at president@bellwarriors.ca. I promise that your sponsorship will make an unforgettable impact to a Bell Warrior kid. If you’re an individual looking to help, please consider joining our fundraising Facebook page for raffles and prizes. Even the smallest bit of support can make a difference.”
The Bell Warriors Football Club stands for RESPECT-RESPONSIBILITY-DIGNITY-FITNESS-GENEROUSITY-LEADERSHIP. Since 1955, the Bell Warriors Football Club has offered football programs for boys and girls ages 8-23 in the communities of Bayshore, Bells Corners, Britannia, Munster, Richmond and Stittsville.
For more information about the Bell Warriors program or to be a sponsor, email president@bellwarriors.ca or check out their website at www.bellwarriors.ca.