Sooke Rotary donates $2,400 to lacrosse program

Lacrosse enthusiast, Patrick Fallon, has played the sport at the top amateur level for 25 years.

Now, 59, the Sooke Rotary Club lacrosse program director, is excited to share the sport with Sooke’s youth.

“It’s really fun to see them play, the sparkle in their eyes, and their enthusiasm for the game,” he said of Sooke’s young lacrosse players. “I love this game, and everyone who plays loves this game, so it’s nice to share it with others.”

Fallon presented the $2,400 cheque on behalf of the Rotary Club to SEAPARC manager Larry Hutchings on May 23.

The cash donation from the Rotary Club’s community service program will provide a subsidized fee for participants, and help pay for equipment like gloves and helmets.

On top of the monetary donation, the Rotary Club donated $1,000 worth of sticks.

In addition to a cheque presentation, a draw for four Shamrocks tickets, donated by Fallon’s company SPT Consulting, was done for two lucky program participants.

The winners were Matthew Ryan and Lauriane Gagnon.

According to Colleen Houghland, the program is multi-beneficial for kids.

“Not only are the kids learning the sport of lacrosse, they are increasing their overall sports skills, building their endurance and hand/eye co-ordination, getting exercise and having some fun,” she said. “No skill is required to participate, just an interest in learning the game.”

The co-ed box lacrosse program, which is a joint project between the Rotary Club and SEAPARC, will run from April 11 to June 23.

There are currently 46 children participating, in two separate age categories.

Children aged between six and nine pay $48 for one hour of play twice a week, and participants aged between 10 to 12 pay $72 for one-and-a-halfhours of play time twice a week.

The program will host an in-house tournament for players on June 23 to wind up the season.