Adriano Belli made a huge impact when he joined the Argos defence in 2007.  He is an eight-year CFL veteran who has established himself as a marquee league-wide star. He was named an East Division All-Star last season, for the second time in his career, and since joining the Argos in 2007 has been the lynchpin that has further stabilized one of the best defences in Canadian football. The CFLPA voted him to their 2007 all-star team and he recorded a career-high 44 tackles as a true nose-tackle.

Now Belli is looking to make as big an impact off the field as on it.  Inspired by his work with “Big Men, Big Hearts”, where the largest men on the Argos team help the smallest members of the community, nose tackle Adriano Belli has reached out to SickKids Foundation by spearheading his own efforts aimed at helping the kids in the Hospital for Sick Children in a variety of ways.  Nicknamed “the Kissing Bandit”, Belli has started the aptly-named “Big Kiss Fund”, where companies will make a donation to SickKids Foundation for every sack or tackle Belli makes during the year. As part of his efforts, Belli brings kids from the hospital out to every Argos home game to soak in the atmosphere of Rogers Centre on game day. Watch for Belli to fully commit to his cause by singing what is sure to be a classic rendition of the national anthem on the SickKids Game Day October 3. It won’t be the first time Belli has put his voice behind the Foundation as the gregarious defensive tackle appeared on the 2008 version CTV’s Canadian Idol. For his efforts, Canadian Idol made a donation in Belli’s honour to SickKids Foundation. “Big Kiss Fund” will also be organizing other fun events for the kids including picnics and movie matinees. Belli is hoping to enlist the help of not only his fellow teammates, but other local professional athletes as well.

Commented Belli, “This is my 10th year of professional football and I have always been involved with this kind of stuff.  It’s always been dear to me; I love spending time with the kids, especially in my hometown.  It’s all about the kids having a good time.”