Members of the Abbotsford Falcons got a break from practice this week to welcome members of the BC Lions football club for the annual Punt, Pass and Kick Program.
Lions offensive lineman Jovan Olafioye, as well as members of the Canadian Football League team's community relations staff, were on hand at Rotary Stadium in Abbotsford on Tuesday, as members of the Falcons showed their kicking and passing skills.
The program allows football players from all over the province to participate in punt, pass and kick for an opportunity to compete in the finals at a Lions home game.
Members of the Falcons flag (ages six and seven); atom (ages eight and nine); peewee (ages 10 and 11); and junior bantam (ages 12 and 13) teams all got a chance to take part in Tuesday's event.
This year's winners from Abbotsford include Tyran Duval (atom), Samwel Uko (peewee) and Devin Sidhu in junior bantam.
Those three can choose to compete with others from around the province when the Lions play the Edmonton Eskimos at B.C. Place Stadium on Oct. 29.
"It's a way for the boys to . . . get out there and strut their stuff in front of the Lions," said Falcons president Chel Sanghera.
"I think it gives the boys a little bit of motivation to improve their game and stick with it."
Many of the younger players couldn't help but marvel at the size of Olafioye.
Others were just happy to reach way up and give the sophomore lineman a high-five.
"Just seeing other kids having fun, doing something they love, it's just a blessing," said Olafioye.
