CFL Football players know that calling a timeout can change the course of a game.
Calgary Stampeders quarterback Henry Burris is also convinced that making time for kids can change the course of their lives.
That’s why Burris has his heart in this weekend’s fourth annual Henry Burris All-Star Weekend in support of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Calgary and area. For the first time the weekend includes a football camp at McMahon Stadium for players 8-18. Participants will learn techniques from CFL stars including Burris, Jesse Lumsden and Damon Allen. All 300 spots have been filled.
Burris is determined to make a difference in the lives of young people, just as football stars did for him nearly two decades ago when the native of Spiro, Okla., attended Dallas Cowboy youth camps in Texas.
“When I was growing up I always looked up to (Cowboys stars) Emmitt Smith and Troy Aikman,” recalls Burris.
“My dad was also my biggest influence. Both my dad and sports played a helping hand in keeping me off the streets. Now’s a time for me to give back and be some kind of a mentor for young kids … As athletes sometimes we have as much influence on kids as some parents.”
The goal for the weekend is to raise more than $100,000 for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Calgary and area. For more information call 403-777-3535 or visit the website at www.bbbscalgary.com
