Sherko Haji-Rasouli battles gang violence

The BC Lions officially play football from June to November, but that doesn’t end their presence in the community. Providing more than 150 community appearances throughout the year, the off-season is prime time for dedicated players who want to make a positive impact on youth.

McNair Secondary School in Richmond, B.C., is the last stop on the Lions Pride program this spring. Front and centre are Lions’ slot back Geroy Simon, offensive tackle, Daren Heerspink, and guard, Sherko Haji-Rasouli who are all first year ambassadors for the Lions Pride, a program aimed at helping youth at risk, especially those who may be affected by increased gang violence throughout the lower mainland.

“We like to have programs that touch all the different grades and the youth at risk one is really important. In a way a lot of our players can identify, because many of them came from tough backgrounds,” said Jamie Taras, BC Lions Director of Community Relations. “ Many have been in difficult situations themselves and used football to get out of them, so they can relate to what these kids are going through. “

The Lions Pride program is comprehensive, delivering its message in various formats, either directly with teens in small, intimate settings or in assembly-style groups. Both approaches use interactive recreational activities that focus on teamwork and physical activity to drive home the message.

Simon, Heerspink and Haji-Rasouli individually tell their personal stories to a bleacher full of McNair teens waiting to hear what these professional players can do when they’re not wearing their pads.

Simon, the CFL’s most outstanding player in 2006 and a CFL all-star, stands up and speaks candidly about his personal experiences. The message hits home when he parallels his life to a couple of friends he grew up with. One is now dead and the other is in jail – simply because they made bad choices.

“We try and focus on the average teens, try and get them before they start getting in trouble, we try and lead them in the right direction,” says Simon. “I just love being interactive with the youth. Some of them do have good households and they are on the right track, but the ones that don’t have that strong support system. It gives us an opportunity to be a little bit of a buffer.”

Simon hopes that even if it’s a small message they take home with them, it’s all worth it. McNair Vice Principal, Lorne Bodin, agrees, saying the message has much more impact when it comes from a well-respected athlete or local celebrity. “I think the benefit for us is that the kids get to see these guys in real. No helmets and not on television,” says Bodin. “To be able to come on to the floor and play around with them is very cool and the stories personalized - who they are, what they do and how they got to where they are. “

Bodin looks around the crowded assembly and points to a teen who wouldn’t normally be at a school event or take part in volunteer activities – but he’s here today, proving that the program’s wide appeal is a large part of its success.

The creation of the Lions Pride required a fair share of teamwork behind the scenes with the BC Lions joining forces with the Ministry of Public Safety and the Solicitor General – Victim Services and Community Programs Division.

The Lions Pride program wraps up with a flag football tournament featuring teams from the various communities. What could be better than rubbing shoulders with their favorite players on the field? How about a chance to earn season tickets to the Lions up-coming season? Ultimately, the real victory will be the on-going connection these teens will share with the players for years to come.



(exminer.com)