The Kingston Grenadiers annual Dale Sands memorial “Grens Tackle Tumours” day.

The Kingston Grenadiers and the Kingston Brain Tumour Community Group are once again rallying the community to Tackle Tumours, in support of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada!  The Dale Sands memorial “Grens Tackle Tumours” day is an annual event dedicated to honouring the legacy of coach Sands and all those we've lost over the years, raising awareness in the fight against brain tumours, while celebrating the resilience and courage of brain tumour survivors in our community.

Coach Sands was a cornerstone of our organization for more than a decade, leaving a lasting impact on the Kingston football community. His mentorship shaped many of our current coaching staff, guiding them through their early playing years, university careers, and later coaching alongside them. His legacy continues through his son, Ty—fondly known as the “other” Coach Sands—who proudly carries on the tradition as part of our coaching staff. This event was born out of a heartbreaking loss, with Dale’s passing last year, but today, it stands as a vital part of our mission—to bring people together for a cause that truly matters through football.

This year’s honorary team captain for the U14 team, seven-year-old brain tumour survivor Walter Massett, will help lead the charge in our lineup of fun activities and our game day to raising awareness and help raise money for brain tumour research. Please consider joining us for the Kingston community walk, the Dale Sands Memorial games and by donating if you can and helping us spread the word.

Sunday, June 15 - Kingston’s Brain Tumour Walk: Because No One Walks Alone!

The Kingston Grenadiers teams will proudly participate in Kingston’s Brain Tumour Walk, wearing their jerseys in solidarity with our team captain Walter Massett, who will walk alongside his mom, Rae-Anne. Join Emcee Bill Welychka to celebrate the strength of the brain tumour community as part of Kingston brain tumour awareness week!

Time: Registration at 10:00AM, walk start 11:00AM.
Location: Breakwater Park (Next to Gord Downie Pier)

Four legged family members welcome, wear comfortable walking shoes, players in your game jersey – parenst and fan show your Grens colors -and dress for the weather.

Saturday, June 21, 2025 – It’s game day and we are back home at Richardson Stadium against the Durham Dolphins!

The momentum continues with the Dale Sands memorial “Grens Tackle Tumours” day on Saturday, June 21, at Richardson Memorial Stadium. Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy three thrilling matchups as we host the Durham Dolphins, starting at 11:00AM with the U14 squad, followed at 1:30PM by the U16s and the U18 will kickoff at 4:00PM.

Last year’s honourary captain, Robbie Watson, will take center stage for the coin toss, paving the way for Walter’s memorable touchdown moment with the teams.  Alongside fundraising activities, onsite resources to support families affected by brain tumours, the crowing of our chili cook-off winner, recognition of our senior players and much more, this to be a fun filled day of football, family and friends!

About Coach Sands

Dale, a naturally gifted athlete, grew up in sports, from hockey and baseball in his hometown to excelling in basketball and football throughout high school. Draining 3’s and catching touchdowns. Graduating from KCVI, he became a two-time city all-star wide receiver, eventually transitioning into coaching, a passion he proudly pursued with various teams including the Kingston Grenadiers, Frontenac Secondary and Queens University football teams.

Coach Sands played a vital role in the success of the Grenadiers that helped build our program. Leading the junior varsity and varsity Grenadiers, he was not just a football coach but a loved and respected friend to all. Dale’s impact will continue to extend into future generations through the mentorship he provided to our alumni at the outset of their coaching careers and the young men he has directed to successful post-secondary football. His legacy continues through his son, Ty—fondly known as the “other” Coach Sands—who proudly carries on the tradition as part of our coaching staff.

Dale lost a long, courageous battle with Glioblastoma, an extremely rare and aggressive brain cancer in March 2024 and this event was born out of a heartbreaking loss with Dale’s passing, but today, it stands as a vital part of our mission—to bring people together for a cause that truly matters through football.

About Walter Massett, honorary U14 Team Captain

Walter is a happy first grader who loves Minecraft, Lego, and Dreamlight Valley on Nintendo Switch. He’s also a brain tumor survivor. Just shy of his 2^nd birthday, Walter began experiencing difficulties with balance and mobility, accompanied by excessive crying and unexplained bouts of vomiting. The initial conclusion was it was acute cerebellar ataxia, attributed to the ear infection and/or a possible virus. During a follow-up visit for chronic ear infections, his doctor recommended a referral to a pediatric neurologist. This time, an MRI was ordered, and Walter was admitted to KGH while waiting for the exam.

The MRI revealed hydrocephalus, but the most devastating discovery was a brain tumour near his cerebellum. The pediatric oncologist urged them to get to SickKids hospital immediately. A pediatric neurosurgeon informed them of the urgent craniotomy, tumour excision, and external ventricular drain insertion planned for the next morning. Walter spent his second birthday in a hospital bed. They later learned that his tumour was a pilocytic astrocytoma—non-malignant. After surgery, he was transferred to Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, where he underwent intensive therapy. His recovery included six days a week of occupational and physiotherapy, along with speech therapy three times a week.

During his hospitalization, this gritty 7-year-old has dealt with more health challenges than many people experience in a lifetime: 56 days spent across 4 hospitals, 4 MRIs, 1 CT scan, 9hrs in the operating room, the removal of a large brain tumour, a 10 day External Ventricular Drain (EVD) insertion to drain cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to reduce pressure, followed by 6 weeks of intensive rehabilitation.

Although Walter’s tumour is unlikely to return, he still requires routine follow-ups, including additional MRIs. The time between his imaging appointments continues to lengthen, and if all goes as expected, he will be considered “all clear” after ten years of monitoring. After returning home, he was closely followed by the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Team at KidsInclusive. As of fall of 2023, he no longer required their specialized care.

Walter’s family hopes to inspire others, showing that some battles can be fought and won. However, the heartbreaking truth is that not every story has a happy ending—some brain tumours are fatal, while others leave lasting complications. Support research into the causes and cures for all brain tumours, help provide community resources, and fund critical support for those affected. To contribute to lasting cures for childhood cancer, consider donating to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

For more information, visit BrainTumour.ca to donate, please visit Kingston Brain Tumour Walk/Grens Tackle Tumours - 2025 Brain Tumour Walk