Jason Colero – Director, Education Programs
I can recall a time in my life when I had to work the Labour Day Classic and get up to go to school to see my old friends the next day. If the game ended in our favour it would be a first day of smiles. Otherwise I’d avoid talking to too many people. Let’s just say that more often than not it was a quieter day for me. Now, going back to school means much more for the Toronto Argonauts and myself.
Since 2001 we have been a very big part of schools in the GTA by creating safe environments for students to learn in. We do that through our Huddle Up Bullying Prevention Program that has been presented by Tim Hortons since 2005 and in collaborative partnership with the Canadian Safe School Network since 2001. This year will mark a significant milestone for the program as it has reached its 15th year. It’s probably the longest serving community program for a sports team in this city, which is something we are very proud of. I can’t wait for the many stories we will hear in the upcoming year. It’s always a reward to see us making a difference.
This year, as a matter of fact, one of the schools enrolled in the program is wide receiver Natey Adjei’s old middle school. That has to be a first for an active player to be presenting at their old elementary school. The school year began with the beginning in question, however, the 15th year of the program was a go after labour disputes were settled. Despite the program being 50% full already, we continue to get inquiries.
We’re also continuing on with our Make The Call program and the topics at hand have never been more relevant in the CFL, with our league recently becoming the first to introduce a Violence Against Women policy, acknowledging the importance of the issue.
For the Toronto Argonauts, going back to school is an exciting time. We’re at the midway point of our season on the field and beginning a year of amazing work by our team in local schools. So to all the students, parents, teachers and administrators, we say welcome back and see you very soon. We look forward to making you all part of the Argonauts family.
“Pulling Together for a Better Community”
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