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Sneak peek at MHHS' purple jerseys they'll be wearing on Friday night (Photo courtesy of Scott Roblin)
Purple Power

Mohawks & Kwahommies putting ALS awareness on centre stage Friday

Feb 28, 2020 | 12:08 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The familiar green and white of the Medicine Hat High Mohawks and Kwahommies basketball teams will be replaced with purple on Friday night.

Hat High will be hosting Magrath for a full slate of games, however the basketball will be taking a back seat to a much more important cause.

The Mohawks and Kwahommies will be hosting their second ‘Slam Dunk ALS’ night, raising money and awareness about the nervous system disease.

Fans are encouraged wear purple to the games, while special shirts will be on sale for donations of $15 with all money going back to the ALS Society of Alberta.

The initiative was started in memory of Karen Wagenaar, who passed away of the disease three years ago.

An avid supporter of Mohawks and Kwahommies athletics, two of her sons Gerad and Kyle played basketball at Hat High.

Gerad said it was an emotional atmosphere last year and is expecting an even bigger turnout on Friday.

“They had fans with Mohawks and Wagenaar written on their stomachs,” said Gerad. “It was a sight to see, it made me tear up a little bit. This year is just 10 times better, I’m so happy that I get to be a part of it and help out. I’m excited to see all the purple here on Friday night, it’s going to be an awesome scene.”

In the lead up to Friday’s games, the Mohawks and Kwahommies have been bringing back the ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ and have been encouraging others in the community to take part to raise awareness about ALS.

Mohawks senior Jonathan Van Dam said this initiative has spanned even the most bitter rivalries in the city all in the name of supporting the Wagenaars and those living with the disease.

“It really brings us all together,” said Van Dam. “The girls team actually nominated some people from Crescent Heights, so they’re getting into it. It’s bringing, not even just us Hat High people, but more of the community and sports fans to come out.”

It’s the first of two big events planned this year to honour Karen’s memory, as the annual ‘Karen’s Purple Shirt Party’ will take place on June 13 with a charity 3-on-3 road hockey tournament.

“It tells you it’s not just about sports,” said Gerad. “It’s about the community and helping one another out.”

The junior games at Medicine Hat High will be played at 2:00 and 4:00 pm, following by the senior Kwahommies and Mohawks tilts against Magrath at 6:00 and 8:00 pm.chat