The local sports community is rallying to the aid of lacrosse player Kevin Cunin, who was paralyzed in a rodeo accident Aug. 29 in Smithers.
A fundraising dinner and silent auction is being planned for Thursday, Dec. 17 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Westwood Pub, 233 Cherry Ave.
Cunin, 26, who played defence for the Northland Nissan Assault of the Prince George Senior Lacrosse Association, was bucked off backwards from his bareback horse during the rodeo at the Bulkley Valley Fair and landed on his head.
The force of the impact broke three vertebrae in his neck and compressed two more bones lower in his spine. He also suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung. Cunin was flown to Vancouver General Hospital, where he underwent surgery. He's now recovering at G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre in Vancouver.
Cunin was just beginning an apprenticeship program as a power engineer when the accident happened. He started playing in the senior league with the Assault about 10 years ago and also served as team manager.
Known as a tough, punishing defender, Cunin rose through the ranks of the Prince George Minor Lacrosse Association and became a regular on the floor wearing No. 8 for the Assault. He didn't often get on the scoresheet but made an impact with his ability to check other teams' top forwards and create turnovers.
"He's just a really good guy," said longtime Assault forward Shawn Ingham. "He's one of those guys that, if we're up by a bunch of goals, we'll try to get him involved (in the offence) so he can score. He's a good defender."
Ingham said Cunin plans to return to Prince George on Dec. 18 to be at home for Christmas with his parents, and will then return to G.F. Strong.
Ingham is encouraging local businesses to supply silent auction bid items or other donations. He can be reached at 778-281-2290 or on email at shawningham@hotmailcom.
