Ruggers,
Over the years many faces have come and gone thru the teams, The Mountaineers, and the Can-Am tournament board. However, our love of rugby and dedication to hosting ruggers from all over the world each summer at the largest rugby tournament in North America has remained constant. Change is inevitable yet it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. We have some big changes this year for Rugby Weekend, and we are all very excited about them.
This year Rugby Weekend will be action packed, both on and off the pitches. You can expect more of the same fast and physical action on the twelve pitches in both Saranac Lake and Lake Placid this year but as we always aim to improve and expand on our event, this year along with our new sponsors we will be bringing you off the pitch entertainment all weekend long! It has long been a goal of mine to not just be a rugby tournament but to be a great event for ruggers and locals alike.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Can-Am committee and outstanding support from all of our sponsors, including New Belgium Brewing, The Hotel Saranac, Polar and The Village of Saranac Lake we have expanded on last years inaugural Can-Am Carnival and will be providing entertainment, food, beverages and more all weekend long in Riverside Park. From concerts to family fun the Can-Am Carnival is the off the pitch action you can’t miss!
From players, alumni, rugby fans and families the Mountaineers have been blessed with unequaled dedication. The Mountaineers board spends many hours behind the scenes making sure our club thrives and the Can-Am board works year-round to make hosting over 2,000 rugby players, friends and families look effortless. I would like to take a second and express my admiration and deepest thanks to these extremely hardworking people who do all of this for their simple love of the game; they never ask for anything and don’t bat an eye at the many requests they receive. They just take pride in helping ruggers and our community.
As players and fans travel from all over to a little town in the heart of the Adirondacks for one action packed weekend, keep in mind the history of this tournament, the legacy we have built and the future we aspire towards. Enjoy your weekend with friends (new and old) and family. Work hard on the field and enjoy your time off it. Be safe and considerate of your teammates, opponents and surroundings and you can be a positive part of this year’s tournament, that will no doubt be remembered for years to come.
In closing, the Can-Am board members and Mountaineers will be out and about all weekend sporting Mountaineers apparel. As the hosts of this wonderful event, if we can be of any help feel free to approach us. We hope to make this weekend one you will cherish forever. Have a great weekend playing and watching the best game in the world. Also make sure to take a second and enjoy these great communities nestled in the Adirondacks. And when you get back to work on Monday or Tuesday, if that extra day of recovery is needed, try not to be frustrated when others just don’t get what you experienced and understand: your love of rugby; rough, tough, humbling RUGBY!
Slainte,
Cameron Moody
President
Can-Am Rugby