MontrealAlouettes.com
TORONTO – Montreal Alouettes receiver Brian Bratton was named the 2012 Tom Pate Award winner at the CFL gala Thursday night in Toronto.
The Tom Pate Award honours a player who displays outstanding sportsmanship and has made a significant contribution to his community.
“I try to inspire through motivational speeches in Montreal as well as in South Carolina,” explained Bratton of the importance of giving back to the community. “During my time in the regular season, I’m very active in the city and always looking to lend a helping hand to youths and to better the community the best way I can. It’s important to take time out of our busy schedule to help others.”
The 30-year-old equally made his presence felt by participating in many charitable events including the first Alouettes Community Festival held in Pointe-Saint-Charles this fall, and in a Thanksgiving tradition for the Alouettes, serving holiday meals to the homeless at the Welcome Hall MIssion.
The six-year veteran also launched the Brian Bratton Football Academy back home in South Carolina, which aims to provide young athletes the opportunity to learn from experienced and positive players of influence in a safe and fun environment.
Every year the CFLPA invites each CFL Club to nominate a team member for this award. “That’s what makes this so special for me,” admitted Bratton. “To have my teammates and peers recognize that I’m trying to make a difference means a lot.”
Bratton is the third Alouettes player to receive the honour, following the footsteps of Baron Miles and Nick Arakgi who were recognized for their community efforts off the field in 2004 and 1987 respectively.
