From The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region:
Although many are familiar with the Cedar Lane Regional Park in Bel Air, most know it as the home of soccer and lacrosse tournaments. That perception will be changed on Saturday, November 21st when hundreds of football enthusiasts gather at the facility to showcase their gridiron skills.
Between 3 and 6 p.m., youth in grades 1 -12 will demonstrate their abilities in passing, punting and kicking vying for the chance to win one of the top 3 positions and be recognized as one of Harford County’s best during a special effects show provided by “Image Engineering” the group who makes every Baltimore Raven’s pre-game entrance memorable.
Aberdeen High graduates, University of Maryland alumni and current Minnesota Viking linebackers, brothers E.J. and Erin Henderson are honorary co-chairs of this affair.
Both wanted to give something back to the community and decided to do so by supporting The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region and including children, both male and female, with and without disabilities in the competitions. The staff at the Arc readily embraced the idea, held a community meeting and recruited Scott Collins of DTLR and Karen Green of Parks and Recreation to serve as Co-Chairs.
As the idea of inclusion spread, the concept of having corporate and varsity teams become a part of the day was added. Representatives of BJ’s, Union Memorial Sports Center of Bel Air, DTLR, Enterprise Rent a Car, Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation, Harford Mutual Insurance Company, Homewood Suites- Hilton, Maryland Golf and Country Clubs, Rite Aid Distribution Center and Susquehanna Spinal and Rehabilitation will face off in the adult division.
Meanwhile varsity players from John Carroll, North Harford, C. Milton Wright, Fallston, Aberdeen, Edgewood, Patterson Mill and the Friends School of Baltimore have committed to displaying their talents and skills during the evening trials.
Avid football fans and champions of youth programs, “Fan Man”, “Raven Maniac”, the “Bus Boys” and other Ravens’ fans will be on site in full game day regalia to cheer contestants on and to present medals (courtesy of Baltimore Trophy House) to the grade level winners.
At 6 p.m. everyone will be able to sing and dance along to the music of “Starbelly” Band. Emcee Bob Bloom of WXCY radio will announce the winners of the daytime divisions and get everyone pumped up for the evening turf wars which will lead to corporate and varsity bragging rights on Monday.
Participation and admission is free. Concessions will be sold on site and the first 300 registrants are guaranteed a special gift package. Raffle tickets are currently on sale for two different “Ravens/Steelers” premium seat drawings and for various sports memorabilia. Joe LaPonzina Orthodontics is the Raffle Sponsor. Volunteers are welcome and needed to help make the day a rousing success and walk-on contestants may register until 5 p.m. on November 21st.
To get involved or for any additional information please phone Paul Levine at 410-879-6758, visit the Arc website at www.arcncr.org or e-mail plevine@acrncr.org with subject line: football festival.
All proceeds generated by this event will be used to facilitate participation of children with developmental disabilities into recreation and leisure programs.
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