While the third suspect in the alleged Raspberry Park bullying attack was apprehended and charged last weekend, Aidan Remple's determined fight against bullies was honoured last weekend during a Calgary football game.
Remple, 14, is a member of the Innisfail Cyclones bantam football team. His squad, along with the local peewee team, visited Calgary last weekend for its third annual game at McMahon Stadium.
The Cyclones and their opponents, the Sylvan Lake Lions, both wore orange, Remple's favourite colour, to support the Innisfail teen's determined stance against bullying.
“I was really surprised. I wasn't expecting it. I was really happy they did that,” said Remple, who could not play in the game due to the injury to his head he received during the Aug. 25 attack. “It is great to get all this support as it helps stop bullying.”
He said yesterday the alleged assailants are still taunting him.
“They still drive by and give me the finger,” said Remple. “It makes me mad that they are still doing that and think they won't get into any trouble.”
Yesterday, Innisfail RCMP announced the arrest of a 20-year-old adult who was charged with assault with a weapon in connection to the attack. He was released and is scheduled to appear in Red Deer provincial court on Oct. 4. The man's arrest follows the nabbing of two 14-year-old males last week who were also charged with assault with a weapon in connection to the attack. They are scheduled to appear in Red Deer provincial youth court on Oct. 3.
“He was beaten severely and was left with a terrible head wound. He was also unable to play what would have been his first football game ever,” said Talitha Watkinson, president of the Innisfail Minor Football Association.
But she said Remple's teammates -- along with the Sylvan Lake players, all coaches and parents -- readily agreed to rally around him.
“The sport of football offers the kids the opportunity to be part of something much bigger than themselves,” she said. “Players and coaches on both the peewee and bantam teams wore orange bands around their feet and legs. Parents and spectators rounded up whatever orange they could find to show their support.
“The Sylvan Lake Lions stepped up in a way we never expected. All 32 Sylvan players donned an orange strip on their helmets,” added Watkinson. “Sylvan coaches and trainers wore orange arm bands on the field, and their parents and spectators showed up with orange arm bands, scarves, and of course the orange ribbons.”
Meanwhile, a Facebook page – “Wear Orange For Aidan” – has been created. Watkinson is also organizing a “Wear Orange Day in Innisfail” for Sept. 17. She is emailing all four Innisfail schools to ask for their support.
“People in town are really upset. They don't know what to do,” said Watkinson. “This planned day is something to help the community take its town back.”
