EDMONTON – It’s a yearly tradition that is loved by the players and organization.
The Elks took part in the 46th edition of Monday Morning Magic at K-Days. It’s a time where the park is only open to a group of special needs children from ages three to 12, and it gives them the opportunity to take part in the festival without dealing with the large crowds or barriers that can be difficult to navigate for a special needs child.
In addition, the kids are able to meet literal and figurative heroes in the community — from Spider-Man, to members of the R.C.M.P or athletes from the Edmonton Elks, Oil Kings, Riverhawks, Stingers, and Oilers alumni. For the Elks players, a day like today is a great opportunity to take a break from the grind of the season and spend some time with the people that support them from the stands.
“It’s definitely nice to get that little break from football, but also the weather’s super nice,” Tre Ford said. “The kids are full of joy and having fun, so it’s definitely a blast to be out here.”
Another amazing year at @KDaysyeg and Monday Morning Magic!#GoElks #OurTeamOurCIty pic.twitter.com/1N2PxomyHc
— Edmonton Elks (@GoElks) July 22, 2024
For others inside the Elks locker room, it’s a day of perspective in the midst of a difficult start to the season.
“The joy on these kids faces brings a little bit of light. I think that we might be having more fun than the kids,” McLeod Bethel-Thompson said. “There are more smiles than I’ve seen in a while in that locker room, just from riding rides and hanging out with kids. Innocent joy is a healer, so we’re very grateful for today.”
The more than 60 Double E players, staff, cheer team, and mascots in attendance all had their highlights of the day. Nyles Morgan, who is in his fourth year of participating in Monday Morning Magic, said it was the competition of the bumper cars that he enjoyed the most.
“The bumper carts and beating Noah (Curtis) all day in them. KB (Kevin Brown), (Michael) Brodrigue. They’re both sore losers,” Morgan joked.
As much as riding the rides was a fun way to spend the morning, in the end it was all about the kids.
“Honestly? It’s just the interactions with the kids, you know what I mean?” Ford said. “Just seeing the smile on their faces and stuff when they’re going on the rides and coming off and everything is just amazing.”