Cam Tait’s Good News /

The cheers that rang around West Edmonton Mall’s ice palace celebrated a number of things Sunday afternoon.

For the sports fan, champions were crowned in the annual Ringette Scores On Cancer tournament.

For those with cancer, perhaps they saw a new wave of hope.

For the third consecutive year, the University of Alberta ringette team helped host a tournament for all ages — and raise funds for the Cross Cancer Institute.

The event provided many lessons to those involved.

“This weekend has helped me become a more patient person,” said Chelsea Morin, who has been on the U of A squad for the past three seasons.

“It has also helped with my organizational and communication skills.”

For Corey Block, being involved in such an event served as a quiet reminder she is doing the right thing.

“I believe it is important to share in community projects because the community is where we all grow and learn. Without the help of the people involved in the community, it would not be able to function,” said the third-year player.

“I have reaped many benefits from the community, therefore it is very important to me that I have an opportunity to give back to the community.”

Community involvement is just how the 20-year-old operates. Block works with her church to provide meals and shelter for people who are homeless. She also lends her time to a project helping developing countries get equipment for purifying water.

Another of her passions is ringette. And she loves to see a new generation of players on the horizon. “It was great to see how excited and enthusiastic these young kids are about raising money for such a good cause,” said Block, a physical education student.

Her advice to other sports teams is to organize similar events. “When we come together for a bigger cause than our sporting experience, we really bond.

Morin, an engineering student, also believes the event helped put her life in perspective.

“This weekend helped me to truly appreciate all that I have been blessed with in life, particularly my health,” Morin said. “Some of the stories I heard from people who have fought cancer inspired me to want to do more to get involved.” Cheers all around, indeed. For more information visit www. ringettescoresoncancer.ca. Look for Cam ‘ n Eggs, a fresh way to start your day and amateur sports news and so much more on my blog, edmontonjournal. com Tweetin’ Tait: c’mon, follow me: twitter. com/ camtait