TORONTO – A lot of hard work, determination and dedication goes into becoming a professional athlete. But becoming an athlete who is respected and admired does not just happen on the field. A large part is due to what happens off the field as well.
Jamal Campbell and Malcolm Williams, this year’s CFL draft picks for the Toronto Argonauts, took the time to surprise youth at The Peer Project.
The organization matches at-risk and newcomer children ages 6 to 15 with fully trained and dedicated volunteer youth mentors. For four decades, The Peer Project has helped more than 30,000 kids across the GTA build self-confidence and the social skills they need to succeed.
However, the surprise did not end there. Campbell and Williams brought the kids and their mentors tickets to their home opener.
“Oh it is a lifetime opportunity,” said Sally Spencer, CEO of The Peer Project.
“Our kids would never have the opportunity because they could not afford it. To be given that chance is just phenomenal. It says that somebody else in the community really cares about us.”
“A lot of these kids are from the same circumstances that I am from,” said Campbell.
“You do not know what is going to happen, you do not know where you are going to lead, but football gives you an opportunity like this and it is nice to see.”
The Toronto Argonauts will be going up against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at BMO Field this Thursday, and now 20 more young fans will be there to cheer them on.
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