Dear Editor,

From a passionate fan, who originally had to be won over:

The date was Aug. 25, and unsurprising to most, I was skeptical. I was attending the inaugural game of a sports franchise that was riding a wave of stigma and controversy.

Most people I speak to don’t believe me, but I was attending because a friend of mine couldn’t find anyone else who was free to go. Honestly.

I came expecting a farce. I came expecting a show, to be entertained, but strictly on a baser scale.

It took only the first play for me to understand how very mistaken I was.

I am talking, of course, about the Lingerie Football League’s BC Angels.

What many choose to see when the odd article or news clip comes on stops at the outfits… and what they accentuate.

Don’t get me wrong, these are gorgeous women; however, what stood out for me was not cup size, but heart; not curves, but spirit. It took only that very first play to realize that it wouldn’t matter for these women if they were playing naked or in parkas,: they desire only to play and to win.

I’m not an educated football fan. I enjoy watching the game, but I can’t tell you much about exact skill or abilities, or how these traits would compare to other leagues.

What I can tell you is what became abundantly clear each time I watched: these women are so passionate about their sport that they play with more drive, more grit, and more guts than I’ve witnessed outside of playoff hockey.

Not only that, but they do it while wearing significantly less protection.

On Nov. 18, the BC Angels will be playing the Saskatoon Sirens in the first LFL Canada “Lingerie Bowl,” which is their playoffs.

I’m writing this letter because I’m desperately hoping to get through to at least some sports fans who either don’t know the team exists, or weren’t sure about the sport. The first two home games had some passionate fans, some wonderfully loud fans, but there was still a huge chunk of empty seats.

And quite frankly, these women deserve better. They play too hard and endure too much B.S. from those who can’t get past the outfits (while likely still cheering on our ladies in Beach Volleyball at this Summer Olympics, who are required to wear bikinis) to realize what a great sports show these ladies put on.

That first night, the MVP of the evening, Stephanie Manou, scored four touchdowns with a broken nose. That incredible dedication should be rewarded.

The fact of the matter is, if you can’t get over the outfits, blame the men, don’t blame the women. They just want to play football. So if you want to see some amazing athletes who care deeply about their sport, stop waiting for hockey, come see the BC Angels.

It is my hope that when these women hit the field on Nov. 18, they’ll be knocked off their feet by the thunder emanating from a packed house. Come out and show your support.

Heath Colliar, via email