Over the past few days it’s been “Garth-mania” in Saskatoon and if six concerts in four days aren’t busy enough, the country music star spent Saturday afternoon putting smiles on children’s faces.
“I think that’s what our job is here today – It’s to love them, hug them and let them know they must love each other,” said Brooks.
The Garth Brooks’ Teammates for Kids Foundation held a ball hockey camp day for 100 of the city’s underprivileged youth, ages nine to 13, at the Kinsmen Soccer Centre.
“I mean the energy and enthusiasm. The kids were showing up an hour before the camp started. They’ve been excited. It means the world to them. It’s an opportunity for them to play a sport they might not have been exposed to,” said Teammates ProCamp director Phil Poggi.
“For one day they get to get away from life and enjoy the game of hockey and hangout with some amazing coaches,” Poggi said.
READ MORE: Going to Garth Brooks? Six things Saskatoon concert-goers need to know
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Garth hosts a Teammate ProCamp day during each of his tour stops throughout North America and makes sure to participate, teaching kids about his five words of wisdom: respect, discipline, courage, attitude and most importantly love.
“That’s what sports is all about, that’s what life’s all about. You can teach them about love now, or you can deal with them when they’re older when they don’t know what love is,” said Brooks.
To add to the star power, Brooks brought along local NHL stars Kelly Chase and Curtis Leschyshyn to inspire the young players.
“These kids see a guy raised just like them, with the same start. They’ll think ‘I can do that’, which means ‘I can do anything I put my mind to’. That’s the greatest gift these guys can give kids today,” said Brooks speaking about Chase and Leschyshyn.
The country music star also inspired crowds Friday night, donning a Gordie Howe jersey.
“The crowd was fantastic … respectful, honourable, it’s all the things that define Gordie – but also all the things that define the people that live in this community,” said Brooks.
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