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off the field which really helped us produce. Obviously, we did not get the final result that we wanted, but I am extremely proud of this team.”
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The herd lost - to the Huskies in a hard-fought game, making for a disappointing ending to a otherwise successful season for the Bisons. The team earned the right to play in the final after taking down the University of Alberta Golden Bears by a whopping - the week before. Despite the massive effort exerted by the team on the field, the final score was not the one that second-year player Collin Kornelson and the rest of his team wanted. “Overall, I think we really progressed as a team this year,” Kornelson said. “We had great chemistry on and
Although Kornelson and the Bisons failed to bring the Hardy Cup back to Winnipeg, they do have many reasons to be proud. They finished off the season with a - home record. Not only is this a great record, it left the home crowd extremely happy throughout the year. The squad also kept improving throughout the year. Their secondplace finish this year is better than their finish, where the team lost in the semi-finals to the University of Calgary Dinos. With the season cancelled due to COVID- , it was important for the team to have a good year, and it all started with personal growth for the
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“Everyone can compete and it’s really just for fun.”
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While the event is being held by U of M students, anyone can attend motionball events if they’d like to show support. Naylor maintains that the event is for everyone, explaining that students, faculty and anyone else hoping to take part in the event may participate.
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Founded in , motionball is a non-profit organization that holds events across Canada to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics. After holding events in major cities across the country, the organization began holding events on university campuses. The U of M joined Motionball in and raised , in its second year. In , UManitoba motionball raised over , , holding events virtually throughout the year. Now that UManitoba motionball is back to holding in-person events, it hopes to improve on last year’s total. Marissa Naylor, co-event director, said everyone is welcome to attend motionball events. Motionball is an inclusive event, making for what Naylor describes as an incredibly fun time. “We really base our events off of Mini U programs,” said Naylor. “Not like your typical basketball games and volleyball, but it’s a mix activities for everyone at all age levels, as well as activities for anyone and everyone, doesn’t matter your age, skill, anything.”
“We encourage everyone from the University of Manitoba campus to get involved, as well as those outside the U of M,” said Naylor. “Teams can be built with your fellow students on the U of M or they can be from any other university, we encourage anyone and everyone.” Prior to the main event on Jan. , UManitoba motionball will be holding a couple of fundraising events, including its latest on Nov. at Roxy Lanes. Guests can head to Henderson Highway for bowling and raffles in support of motionball. Naylor says the money raised will be sent directly to Special Olympics Canada’s home office in Ontario, where it will then be distributed accordingly. UManitoba motionball has also received support from the Winnipeg Ice and is looking to partner with various student groups at the university.
players. “In my second year, I didn’t really want to work on anything in particular,” Kornelson said. “My personal goal this year was to become an overall better player. With football being cancelled last year, it was important to come into this year strong and ready to go.” It was a tragic year for the Bisons off the field, after the passing of coach Scott Naujoks in September. Kornelson said that the spirit of Naujoks was with the herd when they took to the field Saturday. “It was definitely a year of ups and downs for the team,” Kornelson said. “The passing of coach was one that was tough to swallow for the team. He was with us in our final game and we know he would have been proud.”
photo / Matthew Merkel / staff
The team will be back in the gym and back on the field as soon as they get a chance. A winner’s work ethic creates a winner in the end. Kornelson says he and the rest of his teammates are already preparing for next season. “The goal is to just get back to the field and the gym and get ready for next season,” Kornelson said. “We have the pieces to the puzzle, but we have to put it together at the right moment. I am very excited to be a Bison.”
Although the year is over for the Bisons, the work does not stop.
“We are really just reaching out to encourage all those clubs to support and come join,” Naylor said. “We have approached the [Commerce Students’ Association] but we would love to connect with science, engineering, education, phys-ed, ET, [faculty of kinesiology and recreation management] […] but we welcome any faculty or any student groups. So, anyone that would love to come out, we would encourage and love to connect recreation with a bunch of other faculties that may not look at recreation that often.” Naylor just wrapped up her fourth year competing for the Bisons golf team. As a member of the U of M community as an athlete and a student, Naylor sees motionball as not only a great cause, but an opportunity to cultivate community and build new relationships on campus. She said that it is important students come out to show support so an inclusive environment is fostered for all members of the U of M community. “I think the biggest importance [of motionball] is getting into a new community and really showing awareness for a very big initiative that is, in my opinion, really important,” said Naylor. “Special Olympics and those with disabilities still don’t have enough attention about how important it is to be inclusive and so that is exactly what motionball is and that’s exactly why people should get involved.”
“Start paying attention and just really include. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from or what your disability is if you have a disability, just come and support because it goes a long way.” Check out motionball.com to sign up for fundraisers, register for motionball, donate or for more information.
