As former members of the Greater Okotoks Football Association, Anthony Parker and Charlie Power presented to the next generation of aspiring stars on Wednesday night.

As part of the inaugural Concussion Awareness Night, the two Stampeders players visited Holy Trinity Academy to speak to young players about the countless advantages of playing minor football despite the inherent risk of potential concussions. The importance of a strong work ethic and maintaining confidence in the face of adversity were among the other talking points.

Coaches and parents also listened in as well as members of other local sport organizations.

Rather than charging an admission fee, entrance was granted in exchange for a food donation to the Okotoks Food Bank. Raffle tickets were also being sold for the chance to enjoy a steak dinner with the two local CFL stars.

Donna Stratton, Director of Communications and Promotions for GOFA, was the first speaker of the evening before the organization’s president, Cam Burbank, addressed those in attendance.

Next up was the athletic therapist for University of Calgary Dinos football team, Melissa Roth, who discussed fundamental information regarding concussions as well as recent research on the topic. During Roth’s segment, an online quiz was made available via smartphone in order for listeners to test their prior knowledge of brain injuries.

A session on modern helmet technology was then conducted by Chris Campbell of Big Kahuna Sport Company. Campbell works with Stampeders equipment manager George Hopkins to provide Schutt helmets for members of the Red and White.

When Parker and Power took to the podium, they shared their fondest memories of playing minor football prior to playing at the high school level. While the event marked a homecoming of sorts for both athletes, it was especially nostalgic for Power, a 2008 graduate of Holy Trinity Academy. Parker starred at Foothills Composite High School in Okotoks from 2004-07 and faced Power’s HTA squad on numerous occasions.

The two Stamps then signed autographs and posed for pictures to close out the seminar.