37th Canada Shrine Bowl: Continuing a Tradition of Patient Support

The 37th annual Canada Shrine Bowl will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at Concordia Stadium, 7200 Sherbrooke St. W., in Montreal. Each year, this game raises awareness about the specialized pediatric care received by thousands of patients over the past century. Indeed, 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada. Two Patient Ambassadors, Maya, age 11, Queen of the Game, and Liam, age 13, King of the Game, will proudly represent the hospital during this 37th annual event.

The game will feature the Concordia University Stingers facing off against Université Laval Rouge et Or (Québec). Glen Constantin, head coach of the Rouge et Or, and Brad Collinson, head coach of the Concordia Stingers, said they’re fully prepared for this exciting inter-university match. The Karnak Shriners will preside over the opening and closing ceremonies.

The public is invited to attend the Canada Shrine Bowl. Stadium doors will open at 11 a.m. on game day. To purchase tickets, visit Stingers.ca | Buy Tickets.

Queen Maya

Maya is a passionate soccer player. In elementary school, she never missed a chance to play, and her experience in the local league deepened her love for the sport.

But in October 2022, during a friendly game with classmates, she twisted her left ankle. Thinking it was nothing serious, she kept walking as if nothing had happened. A few days later, however, she told her mother about the intense pain. An X-ray revealed a sprain. The doctor recommended a soft brace and regular ice application.

Still, nothing improved. By spring, it was clear that something was wrong. Thanks to Monzur Murshed, a family friend who is a doctor, Maya was able to see Justin Drager, M.D., who diagnosed her with osteochondritis dissecans, a condition where a fragment of bone and cartilage detaches from the joint due to poor blood circulation. Surgery was considered, but Dr. Drager opted to avoid it.

For over two years, Maya underwent weekly physical therapy sessions while continuing medical follow-ups. Thanks to her perseverance and the support of specialists, she recovered without surgery.

Today, Maya is preparing to return to her position as a forward on her soccer team. Her journey wasn’t easy, but her determination never wavered. The field awaits – and Maya is ready.

King Liam

Liam, 13, lives with an extremely rare form of cleidocranial dysplasia, a genetic condition affecting bone and dental development. From birth, Liam faced major medical challenges, spending his first 134 days in a neonatal intensive care unit before undergoing his first 14 surgeries.

At age 2, he still wasn’t walking. Doctors recommended a wheelchair. But one week before the wheelchair arrived, Liam surprised everyone by taking his first steps. Despite fragile bones and numerous fractures requiring additional surgeries and regular wheelchair use, Liam has never stopped progressing. Today, he can walk short distances and uses his wheelchair only when needed – a true testament to his inner strength and determination.

Beyond his medical courage, what sets Liam apart is his infectious joy. Though nonverbal, his smile, laughter and expressive personality light up every room he enters. His ability to connect with others reminds us that joy, courage and perseverance can be expressed in unexpected and deeply moving ways.

For 12 years, the staff at Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada has supported Liam’s journey with specialized bone treatments, spinal surgery and ongoing care that has allowed him to thrive.

Liam embodies hope, resilience and the power of the human spirit. His story is a tribute to all those who, despite obstacles, choose to live with courage and light.