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 Even
after his meteoric rise to NHL stardom, it's apparent that Carolina Hurricanes
goaltender Cam Ward remains the same humble, personable guy that he's
been since his days in junior hockey.
"This is a special day," Ward said. "I've always wanted
to start a charity, and the Hurricanes have done a lot to help me get
this program up and running. I wanted to continue working with Special
Olympics, and it's great to see all of the athletes here and the smiles
on their faces."
On Sept. 28, Ward - honored as the most valuable player in the Hurricanes'
run to the 2006 Stanley Cup title - officially kicked off the "Cam's
Champs" program to benefit Special Olympics North Carolina. (JOIN
NOW!) For each save he makes this season, Ward will donate $3
to Special Olympics North Carolina. In addition, he will host SONC athletes
and their families at a number of Carolina Hurricanes home games during
the upcoming season.
Eight Special Olympic North Carolina athletes and their families watched
the Hurricanes practice Thursday afternoon, before meeting with Ward to
help kickoff "Cam's Champs." Ward spent time talking sports
with each of the Special Olympics athletes, and made note of the passion
and enjoyment each seemed to receive by participating in the Special Olympics
program.
"Sometimes you tend to forget that it's just a game," he said.
"The most important thing is to have fun, and not get caught up in
all the hype, all the media. "This opportunity really means a lot
to me," Ward said. "I'm very fortunate to be doing what I'm
doing, and any time I have a chance to give back, that's what I want to
do."
It was an experience that won't soon be forgotten by the Special Olympics
athletes, either.
"I'm a big Hurricanes fan," said Ryan Hood, a Special Olympics
athlete who traveled from Goldsboro for Thursday's event. "It's a
lot of fun to come watch the games, and I'm thrilled that they won the
Stanley Cup last year. I hope they can do it again!"
Ward has issued a challenge to Hurricanes fans to partner with him in
his campaign to support SONC. Members of the community can join Cam's
Champs by visiting the Special Olympics North Carolina Web site store
to donate. There are five available donation levels, each with incentive
items ranging from "Cam's Champs" window decals, autographed
photos, and drawings for other one-of-a-kind Cam Ward memorabilia.
The Cam's Champs program isn't the first time Ward has teamed up with
Special Olympics - during his four seasons with the WHL's Red Deer Rebels,
Ward formed a close relationship with Mikel McIver - the Rebels' dressing
room attendant and a Special Olympics swimmer.
"My experience with Special Olympics Alberta inspired me to find
a way to continue supporting this great organization in North Carolina,"
Ward said. "I knew when it came time to start something at the pro
level, I knew I wanted to do it for the Special Olympics North Carolina,
and I hope the fans will join me in this promotion for a worthy cause."
The Carolina
Hurricanes will open their 2006-07 regular season on Oct. 4 at the
RBC Center against the Buffalo Sabres. Become a Cam's
Champ today and support SONC and Cam Ward as he and Canes defend their
Stanley Cup Championship!
Nominate a person to be featured in "Spotlight On" -Contact
Leah Sundheim at 1-800-843-6276,
ext. 110.
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