My name is Joe Drexler and I am the founder of Be The Game. This business was born out of my passion for sports and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to participate in athletics. I understand, first hand, what the support of a community can do for a family. Nine years ago I was working Sales and Marketing in the transport industry. I was heavily commissioned and 90% of the business was US based. When the dollar fell from $1.48 to $1.12 my commission crashed. My comfortable living was at stake. By the time my savings were absorbed by the cost of living, I could not afford to put my daughter Samantha in hockey. Her hockey registration could not take priority over our mortgage and other needs; this was a difficult decision for Samantha's mother and I. A week after registration was due, Samantha’s coach from the previous year contacted me. He wanted to know why she was not on the roster and I told him what was going on. Out of pure generosity Samantha’s hockey organization in Oakville sponsored her that year and covered everything she needed to participate with her peers. I was so moved by this gesture. I know what it is like as a parent to try to make ends meet and how appreciative I was to see her play that year. That was when I decided that this is what I want to do with the rest of my life.
Since I was young, sports have been a large part of my life; my love to compete has not faded as an adult. As an Oakville resident, I try to participate in running races that allow me to raise money for charity. I have participated in many different runs across Canada.

I strive to lead by example; competing to support charities is just one way I demonstrate to my four children that sports and charitable efforts are great ways to unite and strengthen a community.

In 2008 I raised enough funds to send a physically challenged child to camp the Easter Seals and the BE THE GAME team is looking to do the same in 2011. I raised the money by rappelling down the TD Bank building in Kitchener, Ontario. That was a proud moment, I could not have been happier to make a difference in that child’s life. When I started to piece together my vision for Be The Game, it was a natural choice to combine youth athletics with fundraising. I want to give as many children the opportunity to participate in sports as possible. It is important for children to have the means to play sports and the opportunity to chose the game they love most.