More to be added but you may see letters within Dear John ! Thank you~
As a caring friend of John’s, I offer the following that I was witness to on just one of many days that I have played in JOHN’S league. I share it as my humble gift to John on his birthday. And I wonder if Muhamud Ali knew that John was born on his birthday. LOL. Have a great day, John~ Your friend, Jeff Hassan, Starpucks
The following took place under such cold conditions in December of 2017 with wind chill exceeding -40.
“Regardless of the start time, my day begins when I get to the rink.
I casually put my equipment on, saying Hi to teammates and the folks of the Lord Roberts Community Centre, which has been our winter home-away-from-home for the past half dozen years.
Before the game begins, John walks over to me. His ribs are cracked (again). Part of the hazards while maintaining the ice for hundreds of others like me. Cracked ribs or not, I get a friendly hug. He asks: How has the week been? And then he’s off to hug and greet the rest of the players.
As the game begins, I often watch John as much as I watch the other players on my team. Goalies have that luxury. If the weather is particularly cold (as it often is and surely is today), he will make his way around to everyone playing (yet rarely taking his eye off the puck or interfering with the play), and ask if their hands and feet are warm enough. Especially the goalies whom must stay in place. A quick pat on the back, and a tug of the toque, and he’s off to someone else. He’s done this a million times… and he knows that once he’s checked in with everyone, the half is just about over.
As the half ends, John walks over to me. His ribs are hurting still but I get another hug. Despite how many goals I’ve let in, he mentions the Winnipeg pro Jets could use me on their roster. LOL. Cracked ribs or not, he’s off to hug and say a kind word to the rest of the players.
As the second half begins, I continue to watch John as much as I watch the other players on my team. Being a goalie, one would think that I should focus on the opposing players and the puck. However, I’m not here to win, or lose this one. I’m here because John has been kind enough to allow us all to play in his league. Our opponents this week are a team made up of people that frequent the Lord Roberts Community Centre, many from struggling homes, with Dads playing with their kids, along with kids without Dads at all. And John is equally thrilled to watch the kids play within his free drop in. Today, one of the better players can’t be more than 13 years old. John is out here for him, and despite the weather, we all are too. John is out here for that boy’s mom who is probably not even 30. John is out here to see if he can help her turn her GED into a degree.
John is not out to record wins, losses, goals, assists and shutouts. He’s out here for 12 hours today braving the cold to make a difference. So far he’s been able to make the difference that he can make in many lifes. Imagine how much better the city would be if he could make the difference that he wants to make in all the lifes that he can!
As the game ends, and the post-game handshakes begin, I maintain my focus on John. He cannot bend over to pick up the puck from the ice (ribs). A player runs over to do so. She gets another hug. Then he’s congratulating the Lord Roberts team on a heck of a game. Not one of them says “But we lost.”. They all have huge smiles shaking our hands. As he passes, I get my third friendly hug. Cracked ribs or not “.
The following letter is from one of the most caring educators I have had the honor to not only have as a friend, but to be able to see him in action, both on the field and in the schools! He is one HUGE reason that I have never lost faith in the future. He is a man of HONOR, more concerned about SIMPLICITY OF PLAY for the love of it…for the opportunity to do so with family, friends, and opponents because he values and sees what it can do within the lives of so many. Randal is one of the reasons I continue to do what I do! And though we see each other WEEKLY during the season, it always begins with a hug and a chat on how our journeys are going! Our students are fortunate to have such an amazing educator! And I dare say one of thee most talented quarterbacks in the 38 seasons of Canford Touch! I have proudly dubbed Randall as “THE RIFLE!”
A Letter in Support of Canford Sports and it’s Founder, John Robertson….
I have participated in Canford Sports for many years, and consider myself fortunate to be part of the Canford Sports community. My wife and I both have played sponge hockey and I, myself play football on two teams in Canford while my wife comes to cheer us on. I come into Winnipeg from Beausejour (50km from Winnipeg), as I find the teams, coaching, leadership and the entire environment envelopes what I believe a true community should display. I gladly juggle other commitments to help when I can when Canford Sports calls for a hand. As a teacher, I have had the opportunity to see the great decline in physical activity in our youth.
At a time when video games, internet and TV are what they would call “recreational”, it is refreshing to see Canford is so committed to helping these kids and families get outside, get physical, learn a game, and be part of a team. Today’s society offers too much social networking, and does not allow our children and families to develop their communication skills, be it in a one on one or team setting. I have seen first hand how Canford and John Robertson have been able to pull a child, teenager and adult alike out of this protective shell we call technology.
Canford Sports teaches leadership, team play, friendship, mentor ship, adherence to rules, communication, sportsmanship, and honor and above all PLAY & FUN! These things cannot be taught through online games. My personal friendship with John Robertson has developed over the years, and I consider myself lucky to consider such a great man, a friend. John has true passion for sports and people alike. John is dedicated, hardworking and a great leader. He has developed tools to encourage and coach individuals in both a professional and personal manner. John is the example of what a true mentor is. He is always willing to come early, and stay late and dedicate his time. John not only knows everyone’s name, but also their family situation! He genuinely cares!
As a teacher, approaching a dozen years at Edward Shreyer (6-12), and now as Vice Principal at The GIMLI HIGH SCHOOL, I have a great respect for this man and have been lucky to learn from him the true meaning of leadership. It is through his talents as a leader that I have watched and learned to implement his style of leadership to push forth my own ambitions to becoming a leader today in my own career. I have aspirations to become a principal and currently considering an opportunity to do so in Dauphin, Manitoba. However, because of my appreciation for both Canford Sports and John Robertson, and all that both provide…I would still drive the almost 5 hours (320 k’s) back to Winnipeg to participate on weekends!
With Canford Sports looking to relocate, I will follow them wherever they end up, but would be more than ecstatic to have them come out closer to Beausejour. I know a lot of people from this area who would benefit from both the league and John’s experience. If Canford came closer to my home, I know I, and others, would love to dedicate more time to Canford and help develop sports skills as well as develop lifelong friendships. Canford Sports would transform any community it decided to call home…into thee best amateur sports and recreation ‘centre of play’ in all of Manitoba! With John Robertson leading the way, I would expect no less!
Sincerely and with appreciation,
Randal Bonneteau, Vice Principal GIMLI HIGH SCHOOL
Dear John,
I’m writing this letter in appreciation for all that you do and have done for my sons and I, while playing touch football at Canford. You may not be aware of this, but I played sponge hockey at Canford when I was in my teens and 20’s. At that time, I didn’t really understand all that you represented. I was more focused on the winning aspect of sports and less on the sportsmanship aspect; which is the cornerstone of all your programs today. Now that I’m a “little” older and hopefully a “lot” wiser, I see the strong values you bring each and every week to the football fields and how you try to instill those values into your players. Now that I’m playing with my two sons, I really appreciate you being there as a role model instilling and modeling some great values for my boys.
I still remember the first day we came out to play. You noticed Jack’s shorts right away. He was wearing St. Paul’s High School shorts and you immediately came over and introduced yourself, the St. Paul’s connection was immediate. From that moment, it has been truly special playing touch football at Canford with my sons. Every time we come to the field you are positive and encouraging and coaching them as if they were your own.
I am very lucky that I am able to play touch football with my two sons. How great it is that we can play as a family! Playing touch football at Canford has brought us closer together. My wife also participates by coming to watch and cheer us on. Sometimes even my parents will come out to watch us all play together!! My boys still talk about our first game at Canford playing together when we won the award for being the first ever father and son duo to score back to back touchdowns in our very first game together.
And when I attended with both of my sons, the event that you were speaking at last May, to raise funds to cover tuitions for single moms to attend the U of M you asked us to stand up, came over to our table with the mike in your hand, and you shared our story with everyone in attendance, speaking about each of us and also about us playing together as a family and that we were so special to you , in being able to see us play every week! Then you gave us hugs. My sons and I will never forget that, John.
As you are aware, my boys and I are looking forward to another great season of touch football. There is no doubt that you will continue to be a positive influence. I know you do so much in the city to promote an active community and to help the less fortunate. If there is ever anything I can do to help out, please let me know. In the last few years, I have become a member of the Kidsport board. Let me know if you think this organization could be of help to you in any way. John, thank you again for all that you do within our city. You are truly a man of character and ‘ a Man for Others’. I look forward to assisting you with your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Mike Taylor
Dear John,
I am writing this letter as a way of showing my appreciation. Over the past couple of years , myself, my brother, and my father have had the privilege to play touch football in your league. It is a very special experience to be able to play with my family. I don’t think many teenagers can say they paly together with their father. The other reason why playing touch football is you, John. You always are coaching me while I play or talking to me about school, track, etc. Not only do you take an interest in me at the field but you send me messages over the Saint Pauls online community. When I won the cross country MVP award in Grade 10 , you were the very first to send me congratulations and did so with excitement. Another good reason I enjoy playing in your league is because the main goals is to have fun and build character in a positive manner. I admire that about you and I see you as a great role model for the whole community. If future programs, sports and leagues will be offered at the new family community centre you are planning, I would be thrilled to be part of it. Finally, if my time was required to help in any way I would be more than happy to volunteer my time to help such a great cause.
Sincerely, Jack Taylor Class of 2018 Saint Paul’s
Dear John,
Hope all is going well. Can’t wait for touch football this summer!! When my Dad and brother came back home from their very first touch football game in your league they shared big smiles because each had touchdowns in their very first game and a lot of fun. Loving football, I asked if I could come out and play too. And when I did, you made me feel comfortable immediately. You explained the rules which emphasized sportsmanship and having fun, as opposed to winning. And you continued to ask what we were doing outside of school and have shown such great interest every week we play and its always a pleasure to see and talk to you. I will certainly participate in any future programs that will be offered and I am also willing to help with the planned family centre.
Sincerely, Dane Taylor Class of 2017 Saint Paul’s