Leading by example is what two University of Montreal Carabins players did when they met youngsters at Henri Bourassa High School in Montreal North.
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Last Friday, Edouardo-Benjamin Sreng-Flores and Lyshawn Dubois, both from the neighborhood, presented their careers to the athletes who make up the men’s cadet football team and the Béliers’ youth women’s “flag football” formation.
“I loved my experience,” Dubois said after stepping off the auditorium stage. The young people welcomed me and asked me good questions. It motivates me to do more. When I was young, no one ever did that for me. […] I feel privileged to be able to connect with them.”
Recognize
The running back said he wasn’t always serious and had some bad dealings in his teenage years. When asked by a student about the reasons that led him to take charge, he explained that the birth of his little brother changed the way he looked at life. Dubois realized that since her father was gone, he had to be a good father figure to her.
The 21-year-old’s story resonated with Kerby in particular. Every day when the bell rings for the end of school, the 13-year-old rushes across the street to pick up his little brother from elementary school. He then brings this back with him so that he can take part in his soccer training session. This ritual was also seen at the presentation of the Carabins players, when Kerby disappeared for a few minutes and then returned with a child.
“I consider your visit an honor because it gives me a little meaning. They could have chosen other schools, but they came to us,” said the Aries wide receiver, who already has to deal with adult responsibilities despite his young age.
“Knowing these guys are from the same area as me tells me I can be successful too,” added Kerby.
models
The initiative for this meeting came jointly from Gladymir Charmant, Coach of the Carabins Defense Line, and Mohammed Ayman Nechchad, Sports Director of the Henri Bourassa High School.
“There is a difficult reality around us and in our neighborhood. We want our young people to come into contact with role models who look like them and who know the same reality as they do,” said the second.
“Representation is important. Seeing two guys who are from the same neighborhood as her can be inspiring, Charmant added. You have two sports students who are about to graduate from high school and have used football as a vehicle to achieve a goal.
According to the few young people interviewed after the conference, the two adults hit the nail on the head.
“It’s inspiring to know that there are opportunities. If they did it, why couldn’t I?” said Aïcha, 16, with a smile.