FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LADY VEES RECEIVE A BIG BOOST FROM A LITTLE CLINIC
February 17, 2009
 
SUDBURY, Ont. The Laurentian Lady Vees basketball team found some inspiration Friday night before they took on the Ryerson Rams, a game they would eventually win and clinch fourth spot in the OUA East and a home playoff game.  Prior to their game the Lady Vees held a basketball clinic for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sudbury.
 
On what would normally have been a quiet and relaxing Friday afternoon, where the players would rest and prepare for their night time game, the Lady Vees decided to do things a little differently as they got set to take on the Ryerson Rams, in the first game of their final double header weekend of the year.  In an event spurred on by graduating forward Amanda McConnell (Regina) the team welcomed the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sudbury.  The little brothers/sisters and big brothers/sisters alike entered the Ben Avery Gym to the awaiting Lady Vees.  For a little more than an hour the little brothers and sisters partook in various basketball and athletic activities on the same floor their leaders, the Lady Vees, would clinch a home playoff game just hours later.
 
The Big Brothers and Big Sisters watched from the sideline as the Lady Vees competed alongside the little brothers and little sisters in everything from shooting to dribbling drills to other physical activities that got everyone in the gym moving. 
 
As the clinic wrapped up and the Lady Vees headed to their locker room to get ready for their game, the Big Brothers Big Sisters along with their Little Brothers Little Sisters retreated to a pizza party where members of other Laurentian Sports teams entertained them.  The night was highlighted by the evenings honoured guests being paraded into the gym during introductions to a special VIP section, by Laurentian s very own Voyageur.
 
The time spent with the children earlier in the day must have spurred on the Lady Vees as despite a slow start, responded with a never say die attitude in front of their pupils.  The Lady Vees would eventually give everyone in the gym what they wanted, another game in Sudbury.  The Lady Vees finished off Ryerson 74-66, to claim their third straight win and clinch fourth place in the OUA East.
 
It was a really fun time playing with the kids and teaching them basketball skills, said Lady Vees forward and OUA female athlete of the week Darrah Bumstead.  Having them there at night really helped give us inspiration to pull out the win.
 
The Lady Vees will now have a short week as they prepare to take on the very same Ryerson Rams in the first round of the OUA playoffs on Wednesday, February 18th in the Ben Avery Gym.  Game time is set for 7 p.m.  Everyone under the age of 18 will receive free admission to the game.  The Lady Vees would like to thank Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sudbury for the experience and hope similar future endeavours may become a regularity.  
 
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Martin Rourke
Interim Athletic Marketing & Media Relations Officer