Hamilton Tiger-Cats Team Up With War Amps Child Amputee
Hamilton, ON (June 22, 2023) – Being an amputee is not a barrier to living a full and active life. With the help of artificial limbs and adaptive devices, young amputees like Abel Walker, 8, of Windsor, can take part in their
favourite activities, including playing football.
Abel, who was born missing his left arm, is a member of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program and has been named The War Amps 2023 National Ambassador. As such, he joined Hamilton Tiger-Cats players, Duke Williams and Dylan Wynn, today at
Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, to film this year’s War Amps public service announcement (PSA).
Abel was enrolled in CHAMP when he was only a few weeks old. “The support and strength of The War Amps community was undeniable and truly heartwarming,” said mom, Cortney. “As he has grown up, being a part of CHAMP has helped him feel secure in
himself and his abilities. His prosthetic arm and device that The War Amps funded allows him to do everyday tasks as well as play football. For us, knowing that CHAMP will pay for the artificial limbs that he needs means fewer worries and
that Abel can enjoy the same activities as other children.”
“Abel and the players had a lot of fun filming the PSA, reinforcing that child amputees can do anything they set their minds to, sometimes with the help of artificial limbs,” said Danita Chisholm, Executive Director, CHAMP Program. “The Hamilton
Tiger-Cats and the Canadian Football League have been tremendously supportive in making this event possible.”
“The Tiger-Cats are honoured to partner with The War Amps again and participate in the long-standing CFL tradition of increasing awareness of the Association CHAMP program," said Matt Afinec, President & COO of Business Operations, Hamilton Sports
Group. "It's a tremendous initiative and an important message for the children throughout the greater Hamilton area and across Canada and we're proud to have been selected to contribute to these efforts in 2023."
For more than 40 years, The War Amps and the Canadian Football League have shared a special tradition - the annual PSA, saluting the League's support of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program. Like all War Amps productions, the PSA is funded
by corporate donations. It will be broadcasted during TSN’s football telecasts starting in October, including the CFL Playoffs, the Grey Cup, and on other networks and specialty channels.
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