Edmonton Elks visit Bonnyville football practice to give back

Left to right: Elks DB Loucheiz Purifoy, coach Rohdy Reed, Mr. Mike’s Mike Naim, and Elks DB Aaron Grymes.

Bonnyville football players got a chance to learn from the pros last week.

Two Edmonton Elks defensive backs, Aaron Grymes and Loucheiz Purifoy, attended practice on Wednesday through a promotion with Mr. Mike’s. 

These two Canadian Football League veterans believe it’s important to give back and teach the game.

“Everything we can give back to them,” Grymes told Lakeland Connect.

“Anything that’s translatable to that got us to where we are right now. We’ve just got done coaching some flag football camps back in Edmonton, so we enjoy the youth. We’re going to give them whatever we can. They’re willing to absorb as sponges and wherever the coaches need us.” 

The pair of pros were able to help out the Voyageurs and Bandits with drills and get involved on the field with the coaching staff.

Bonnyville Amateur Football president Colin Hanusz said it’s a unique opportunity.

“It means a lot and gives the kids something to shoot for. There’s football beyond high school for some kids, This just shows what’s possible,” he said. 

Mike Naim was able to get two Elks players as part of a promotional outlet through Mr. Mike’s franchisees across Alberta. They facilitated the two arriving on Wednesday, and Naim thanked the Elks organization for the chance for them to come to Bonnyville.

“It’s a blessing, especially when we got a talent, the way we do it, to give it to other guys, kids, the women, the girls,” said Purifoy. 

“I’s just a blessing just to be around football. I’m from Florida, die hard football there. I went to the University of Florida. I’ve been in Canada. I’m going on my 10th year, and I fell in love with this game up here.” 

WATCH: