Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board

HWCDSB Hosts Inaugural Elementary Flag Football Championship

Posted on 10/06/2025

The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, in partnership with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Hamilton Sports Group Foundation, proudly hosted the inaugural Elementary Flag Football Championship Tournament at Hamilton Stadium on September 29, 2025.

The first-of-its-kind event welcomed 12 co-ed teams—each made up of six girls and six boys—representing the top-placing CYO senior flag football teams from the 2024/2025 season. The participating schools included: Corpus Christi, St. Mark, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Our Lady of the Assumption, Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Clare, Our Lady of Peace, St. John the Baptist, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Eugene, and Annunciation of Our Lord Catholic Elementary Schools.

Bringing opening greetings on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Chairperson John Valvasori encouraged student-athletes to embrace the values of teamwork, humility, and sportsmanship, qualities that extend far beyond the field.

“I don’t think that Jesus ever played football,” he said.” But his character, his hard work, his teachings, his pride and humility...they were the same values you can show us today, and in the years to come, as you continue to compete in sports.”

Students from Immaculate Heart of Mary led the community in a moving land acknowledgement and prayer, setting the tone for a day rooted in faith and unity.

“The greatest victory,” one student prayed, “is showing kindness, respect, and sportsmanship to one another.”

Members of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, including Tim White, Gordon Whyte, and Brandon Revenberg, joined the opening program to engage students in the Touchdown Series, a mentorship initiative created in partnership with Interval House of Hamilton’s MentorAction program. Adapted for an elementary audience, the session guided students in conversations about leadership, healthy relationships, and the importance of speaking up against harmful behaviours.

“Athletes are leaders and role models on and off the field,” said wide receiver Tim White. “Leadership is about respect and accountability. Good leaders inspire others through their actions...both in public and when no one is watching.”

Following the ceremony, teams took to the field for an afternoon of spirited competition. The tournament embodied HWCDSB’s theme of “Faith in Action, Movement in Play,” highlighting the role of sport in building confidence, competence, and joy in students.

Congratulations to Corpus Christi students who took this year’s championship, with a score of 26-21 in the final against Annunciation of Our Lord.

The event would not have been possible without the collaboration of coaches, teachers, volunteers, and community partners. Special thanks were extended to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Hamilton Sports Group Foundation, and Football Ontario for helping create a professional, memorable experience for students.

More photos on HWCDSB Athletics Facebook page