Double compassion

Tafelmeyer sisters proud sporting humanitarians for Riot

As the Prairie Conference champion Regina Riot continue to bring momentum to an energizing time for female sport in Saskatchewan and Western Canada, a pair of sisters punctuate the true meaning of teamwork. Amanda and Courtney Tafelmeyer have helped extend the Riot’s impact into the charitable community, as displayed with the inaugural Teal Game during the regular season.

What began as a simple request to have Riot teammates wear teal-coloured shoelaces grew into an empowering fund-raising campaign. Unifying the Riot and the Regina Walk of Hope for Ovarian Cancer Canada towards a mutual goal, the end result was one of relevance, built on fresh energy which may form the backbone for a signature event involving both organizations.

“I was definitely proud to be a part of the Teal Game and to be able to play in the game. The chance to be able to represent with such a strong group of women was inspiring. It was an incredible feeling to know that these women who have survived ovarian cancer were the ones that thought we had strength and determination for playing this sport,” remarked Courtney.

On the gridiron, Amanda and Courtney contributed to a breakthrough season for the Riot. As a side note, they were not the only sisters competing this season. Starting quarterback (and Team Canada alum) Aimee Kowalski was joined on the team by her sister, Alex.

Not only did the club hand its archrival Saskatoon its biggest margin of loss in franchise history, they captured their second regular season crown. Complemented by a postseason conference championship, their first in franchise history, Amanda and Courtney are hoping to win the first league championship in franchise history.

Just as important for these sensational sisters is their role as sporting humanitarians, which was encouraged by the love and support of their grandmother, Irene Emperingham. Exceptionally proud of her granddaughter’s role in breaking barriers for women in sport, her battle with ovarian cancer was the catalyst for the sisters to show their gratitude for her support in an exceptional yet empathic show of compassion.

Aware of the planning stages for the Teal Game, it provided Emperingham with emotional warmth in her declining days. Although she lost her battle with the disease before the Teal Game took place, there is no question that she was there in spirit,

”This was a very special event for my sister (Courtney Tafelmeyer) and I, because we lost our grandma to ovarian cancer on April 1st. Our grandma was a huge supporter of us playing football and she always followed us throughout the season, this event would not have happened if it wasn’t for her and she was proud that it was going to take place,” stated Amanda.

The Teal Game carried a profoundly personal and emotional component not just for Amanda and Courtney but several members of Regina’s Walk of Hope. Also donating her time to Walk of Hope as a volunteer, it was a cause very close to Courtney’s heart. Such efforts helped to provide others who had been affected by the disease with an outlet for hope and support.

“This entire opportunity was incredible! Given the chance, I would do it all again. The partnership the Regina Riot and Ovarian Cancer Canada is such an important one for both parties to have. It is a way to get both names out there and be able to show the true strength that all women have, even if sometimes it is channeled into different things.

This is a partnership that I think and hope is one that will be around for a long time and will continue to build,” stated Courtney.

One of the co-chairs for Regina’s Walk of Hope (taking place in September at Rick Hansen Optimist Playground and Park), Wendy Sutherland was very proud of the outcome. Among the various volunteers who assisted at the game with fund-raising, the evening culminated in an emotional gathering on the gridiron.

“Thank you to Amanda and the entire group of players, staff, and board members for embracing the ‘Teal Game’ idea. I truly feel our two groups united in the fight to bring awareness of Ovarian Cancer. And this is just the beginning. I can’t wait to see what next year’s ‘Teal Game’ will bring. As the Riot and Ovarian Cancer Canada become allies, working towards a common goal.”

With the darkened Prairie sky in the background, as Mosaic Field’s bright lights shone, it was an illuminating yet fitting panorama which exemplified the collective goal. In the darkness of illness, and the despair that is all too obligatory, the Teal Game’s outcome was not measured by its final score, or even the total monies raised.

Its metric was the beacon of hope shining through, touching all in the community. A tale of courage woven with the leadership and perseverance of two football playing, pioneering sisters, Amanda and Courtney Tafelmeyer, their ability to involve others in a meaningful way, delivered in a heartwarming way.

”It’s hard to pick one thing that I enjoyed the most about this game because overall it was a great game! If I had to pick one thing it certainly would be the attitude that everyone had.

Our team was happy to be out there playing the game they love and they took it to heart that we were supporting Ovarian Cancer Canada. It was also great to see how well the OCC came out and supported our team, it meant a lot to have both organizations come together and achieve something amazing,” proclaimed Amanda.

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”