A new sport is coming to town, and you’re invited to participate

Drone Sport: A New, Inclusive Sport Revolutionizing Community Engagement and Volunteerism    

Paul St-Onge and Bill Cuming of Aero Concept Systems Inc. in Long Sault, Ontario welcomed community members at a press conference announcing the creation of this new sport.

The team, and a host of community shareholders, were excited to announce this launch. This sport is designed not only as a recreational activity but also as a novel approach to tackle volunteer shortages and promote community well-being. This is an Ontario Made initiative by private industry. “Pulling together for a stronger community.”

Introducing Drone Sport
Drone Sport is a game that is as engaging as it is inclusive. Played with a special drone called the “Comet,” which serves as the ball, players use their own drones to navigate and score points in an arena. This unique sport offers the flexibility of being played indoors, outdoors including or in sports arenas and stadiums and is accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, or sporting background. Drone Sport is gender neutral, ageless, immersive and provides excellent health benefits.

A Unique Approach to Community Building
A striking feature of Drone Sport is its commitment to encouraging volunteerism. To become a player, an individual is required to complete 40 hours of volunteer work, earning them a basic drone that will be immediately provided when hours have been completed by the non-profit organization the hours have been completed. Further volunteering allows for drone upgrades, and families who contribute a combined 200 hours receive four drones. This innovative model ensures that engagement in the sport is directly tied to community service. These drones will be provided in a “Drone Sport Kit.” The following drones will be available Alpha AeroCraft, Bravo BuilderBird, Charlie CloudChaser to name of few in the collection line.

Funding and Community Support
The drones used in Drone Sport are funded through sponsorships and community partnerships, highlighting the collaborative nature of this initiative.

Expanding the Reach of Drone Sport
Drone Sport competitions are designed to be versatile, accommodating matches between neighbors, families, streets, and even regions. The inaugural regional tournament is set to take place at Optimist Park on May 1st, 2024, featuring a match between Champstrong and the Optimist Club Alphas. Optimist Park holds the distinction of being Canada’s first designated drone sport park, proudly located in Cornwall.

Other events will take place over the summer, namely at the Luminous Long Sault on July 6th.

An Expanding Tournament Structure
The sport is set to feature yearly provincial tournaments. The winning team from these tournaments will host the national competition, leading up to the first Drone Sport Olympics, to be held every four years. The hosting community for these Olympics will be guaranteed 5G connectivity, regardless of its remoteness.  

The Motto: “KEEP SPONGING”
The motto of Drone Sport, “KEEP SPONGING,” symbolizes the sport’s philosophy. Like a sponge, our community absorbs both good and bad; once filled, it requires a release to make room for more positivity. This philosophy aligns with the sport’s goals of supporting mental health, first responders, the medical health industry, feeding the hungry, and housing the homeless, among other community initiatives. At the forefront is the building of resiliency through…  

Collaborative Leadership and Shareholders
Aero Concept Systems Inc., led by President Paul St-Onge and Partner Bill Cuming, spearheads this initiative in collaboration with Charlene Davidson, a renowned resiliency coach. Notable shareholders in this endeavor include Terry Muir, Djibril Kande, Patrick Foré, Joel Doiron, Rodney Rivette, Larry Legue, Leah Kyte, Julia Lucio & Mai-Liis Renaud from the Seeker, Kristen and Bill Hallman from Happy Popcorn Co, Ralph and Kathy Burton, Cameron Forrester of Forester Films, the City of Cornwall, the Village of Long Sault, South Stormont Chamber of Commerce, Stormont Yacht Club and Remi Goc of Ignite Web Solutions. It’s important to note that shares in this venture are not publicly traded.