WRAL Sports Fan

WRALSportsFan

'Canes Goalie To Make Donation For Season's Saves

Nov 10, 2006

RALEIGH, N.C. — A lot of people will be in the stands of the RBC Center Wednesday night, cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes. A special group of fans will be focusing on goalie Cam Ward.

Ward earned a starting spot this year after his incredible play in the playoffs. His spectacular saves earned him the MVP award in the Stanley Cup finals.

This season, Ward is putting his money where his gloves are. For every save he makes, Ward will donate $3 to Special Olympics of North Carolina.

"I'm extremely fortunate to do be doing what I'm doing and to give back," said Ward, "That's what I want to do."

It's called Cam's Champs, and he's asking fans to help by making their own donations.

"He's a good goalie and good personality," said Special Olympics athlete Kate Lyon.

Ward's connection to the group started as he was growing up in Canada. He had a close friend named Michael who was a Special Olympics athlete.

"I knew when it came time and I had an opportunity at the pro level to start a charity, I knew I would want to do it for the Special Olympics of North Carolina on his behalf," said Ward.

Ward made 537 saves in the playoffs alone. At $3 a save, that would be more than $1,600.

To get involved with Cam's Champs, go to its

Web site

.

• Reporter: Debra Morgan
• Photographer: David McCorkle
• Web Editor: Dana Franks