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May 21, 2017

Quotables: The Best Part About Kamloops

Kamloops. Despite the blistering hit and gruelling two a days at practice, it provides an excellent and welcoming home for three weeks of BC Lions training camp. Veterans have learned to love the annual trek while first-year players fall in love with it immediately. The backdrop of Hillside Stadium and Thompson Rivers University provides the organization with first class facilities to get ready for another run at the Grey Cup. BCLions.com caught up with a few members of the squad to break down their favourite things about our training camp destination.

Solomon Elimimian

“I would say just seeing all the guys’ faces and bonding with your teammates. A lot of them you haven’t seen in six months. Town wise it is great because they are real hospitable and there is lots of fan support with them coming to practices. Intermingling with them is an awesome thing. They are very big supporters of the BC Lions. It feels like a second home for the club. Camp is hard but when you see familiar faces that support you it makes it much more memorable.”

Bryan Burnham

 “The scenery. Where we stay at the university you can look out your window, see the mountains and down into the valley. You wake up and realize how lucky you are to be there and be playing football. It really does feel like a second home because this is my fourth year going to Kamloops. The first time it was kind of new and I didn’t have time to experience it because I was worried about football. Now I feel comfortable there. The people at the university are welcoming and the workers take good care of us. It feels like home. Every practice there is people in the stands cheering us on, even on those hot days. Seeing people bring their kids out is pretty special.”

Stephen Adekolu

“It’s a gorgeous backdrop. The scenery in Kamloops is amazing. The people are always happy to have us and I just enjoy interacting with some of the local business owners while I set up the rookie night and stuff like that. I definitely enjoy Kamloops and the hospitality of the people in the city.”

Rolly Lumbala

 “I think the biggest part for me is the scenery. It’s beautiful up there and the weather has been so good to us. My first camp (2008) was in Abbotsford and it rained every single day. Being in Kamloops has been awesome, both the climate and the city. The people love us; they are very supportive and are some of our biggest fans. It is great that we get to reach them and be up there. We’ve been there for so many years we know where the spots are too, whether that is getting some good food or going to the movie theatre. It’s also where the chemistry starts and find out about some of the new young stars.”

Shaquille Murray-Lawrence

“I would say getting away from the city. Once you walk into Kamloops it’s go time. The season is around the corner and it’s all about getting ready for that Grey Cup campaign. You get the football feel and the weather can be pretty brutal, but you fight through it. It’s all about team bonding and getting ready for a long season.”

Be sure top check BCLions.com throughout the week for more training camp previews! All information regarding 2017 camp can be found HERE!

Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com