This longest game idea is the brainchild of the Aurora Masters Lacrosse Association.  It will be a 25 hour test of endurance, determination and stamina.  And it will have a multitude of purposes.  First and foremost- fun.  These guys plan to enjoy themselves.  They believe a game such as this will raise the awareness of Canada’s first national sport.  The community spirit of Aurora will be showcased.  And, aside from the record for the Guiness Book, they hope this will be the first of what will become an annual event.

But this is not all about them and they decided that a game such as this also provided the perfect opportunity to raise funds and awareness for a worthy cause.  None of them have any prior affiliation with the group they have chosen to support, the Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness (www.abusehurts.ca).  The guys were impressed with the center’s dedication to addressing the issue of violence and their resourcefulness in doing so.  And how could you not be.  A little research on my part and I found that this amazing organization has 19 separate programs to help children and adult victims, their families/friends and to provide education and resources for the community.

LAXDOVE (www.laxdove.ca )will start Friday June 13 at 3 pm and finish up at 4 pm the following afternoon.  The Aurora Community Center is the place and there will be ample opportunities to make donations, including a silent auction, with some amazing items up for bids.  Everyone there will be volunteering their time and energy, including 120 players at last count from the registration sheets.  They have even set aside a two hour block on Saturday morning for minor age house league teams/players, 90 kids from the Newmarket Redbirds.  Plus 10 goaltenders, 8 referees, 6 scorekeepers, 40 volunteers and a 10 member committee.  Four National Lacrosse League Teams are involved, as is the Ontario Lacrosse Association.  60 event sponsors, for everything from facilities & food to professional services.  Three professional photographers to record the event. Town councillors from Newmarket & Aurora.  A celebrity or two…Jim Veltman, Ryan “The Kid” from Q107, Brian Shanahan, Ellen Campbell (CCAA Director).    

It is really just a little ironic that a sport that is often seen by the uneducated as violent instead of physical has provided the perfect opportunity for a bunch of guys to make a significant contribution to such a worthwhile cause.  I plan to make the trip up some time over that 25 hours, if for no reason other than to offer my support, which is so vital in the world of the people these very generous participants will help with their time and effort.