Manny Show Airs In Singapore

Super Bowl week. For the average football junky it involves stocking up on nachos and wings, trips to the liquor store, filling out squares and going over meticulous prop bets. For Emmanuel Arceneaux it has also become about exploring a new culture and giving back to US Soldiers stationed abroad.

After previous Super Bowl trips to Alaska and Honduras, the “Manny Show” has landed in Singapore to take part in the Diego Garcia Super Bowl Tour. The weeklong activities include hanging out with the troops and playing games with kids in the various communities. It is all done in conjunction with Pro Tour Productions: an entertainment company that provides activities to military bases and venues all over the world.

Diego Garcia sits in the middle of the Indian Ocean and has a large military contingent.

“It’s part of the NFL offseason programs,” said Arceneaux before he boarded the longest flight of his life. “I first got involved when I was with the Minnesota Vikings. Ever since then I have emailed them every year to see if they need an athlete.”

Community involvement has been a huge part of Arceneaux’s DNA since he first turned pro. The chance to extend it to events like this has done nothing but further his desire to give back. Especially when it comes to those who put their lives on the line to ensure peace in the free world.

“We play a game that they love. “They do something for our country that is way more important and way more serious than me going out on a weekend and catching footballs,” said Arceneaux of supporting the troops.

“It’s just big man, having those people who are willing to lay it out on the line and sacrifice their loved ones to serve our country.”

Each visit to a base involves meeting the commanders, sergeants and EMT technicians. Super Bowl Sunday itself includes playing games, signing autographs and a big barbeque. At various points during the week, Arceneaux will branch out and spend time with local kids.

“You’d be surprised how happy these people are to have us come out to their remote locations, “ said Arceneaux.

“They see how athletes can be down to earth and really care. Sometimes they’ll have a flag football or basketball tournament going on and we hop in and play. It’s good conversation and interacting the whole time. I try to educate them about the BC Lions and the CFL.”

And of course he cannot visit such an exotic location without setting aside a little time for fun.

“I am quite sure they have something set up for us, “stated Arceneaux. “I see that it is around the Indian Ocean. Hopefully I’ll have time to do some snorkelling, fishing or some kind of games that are beach related.”

Whether here in the lower mainland or overseas, giving back to the community is a big part of Manny’s makeup.

Last year’s trip there included deep sea fishing along and trips back and forth between the island and Singapore.

The fact Arceneaux is able to partake in various outdoor activities says a lot about his commitment to offseason rehab. Is injured ankle is around “85 or 90 percent” and should be completely healed well in advance of camp.

“Everything is good,” proclaimed Arceneaux. “I have a lot of time, but the strength and everything is there. It’s just a little bit of the tendon I am waiting to heal up a little but, but the bone is good. I should be 100 percent no later than March.”

The hit from Taylor Loffler in the Western Semi-Final victory over Winnipeg resulted in Arceneaux only being around 60 percent healthy for the loss in Calgary one week later. Despite being limited, he led all Lions’ receivers with 68 yards receiving and a touchdown grab.

2 of Arceneaux’s 15 TD grabs came in Edmonton on September 23rd. Here he pretends to sip from a fan’s beverage.

That of course came in the heels of his best season as a pro: Arceneaux proved to be one of the league’s game breakers with 1,566 yards on 105 catches. He also led the CFL with 15 touchdown receptions and was the first BC Lions to record over 100 receptions since Geroy Simon in 2006. All of those credentials are fine and dandy, but Arceneaux is now focused on one thing: the chance to win his first Grey Cup.

“Players win games, teams win championships. It’s not about me, Solly, Jennings, or Jeremiah. The reason we fell short the last few years has been a lack of team effort for 20-plus weeks. I’m excited to see a new BC Lions team in 2017 that will play for four quarters week in and week out.”

For now, number 84 will gladly entertain a few lucky soldiers and kids around the Diego Garcia atoll. Talk about a fun way to ring in Super Bowl week.

Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com