2019 Skills 4 Life Summit Set For This Weekend
Giving back to our community is a major pillar to the BC Lions brand and the organization is proud to organize and take part in the 2019 Skills 4 Life Summit. The event took place on Saturday, November 2nd at BC Place and Sunday, November 3rd at the Creekside Community Centre.
Over 100 students ranging from every school district across British Columbia were invited to take part. The two-day student ambassador program, presented by the BC Lions in partnership with the BC government, is intended to give students in grades 7-9 a variety of tools required to be successful in their relationships, school environment, career path and overall life journey. Students in the program hear from BC Lions players on topics like ERASE (Expect Respect & a Safe Education), the power of choice and mental health as well as have a chance to explore future career opportunities.
“The BC Lions Football Club is very excited to partner with the Province for the Skills 4 Life Summit, ” said Lions director of community partnerships Jamie Taras.
“One of the key pillars of our organization is to make a positive impact in communities throughout BC. We can’t wait to meet the students and share with them some of our experiences in the hope that they will be inspired to be the best they can be!”
Lions players Andrew Peirson, Sergio Castillo, Jordan Herdman-Reed, Claudell Louis, Justin Renfrow and Mitchell Barnett, along with Lions Alumni Travis Lulay and Angus Reid are excited to be part of the program in which they interact with the students and share their life experiences.
Along with discussing mental health, Skills 4 Life focuses on erasing bullying and learning the importance of teamwork and goal setting.
“The most rewarding thing about being a member of the BC Lions has been the platform to make a positive impact on young people throughout British Columbia,” adds former Lions quarterback and current member of the partnerships team Travis Lulay.
“This weekend, we are hosting the Skills For Life Summit for kids from all over our province. I’m very excited to be involved and help make a special and rewarding experience for the kids that will not only be fun but will equip them with knowledge and skills they can take back to their communities. Go Lions!”
Students also attended our game against the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday night and got the experience of a lifetime with VIP sideline access to watch the warmups. During this time, students also got to meet Education Minister Rob Fleming as well as Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Judy Darcy.
The BC Lions thank the Government of BC, RBC Future Launch, LNG Canada, Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project, Teck and Kitimat LNG for their support in sponsoring our Skills 4 Life Summit.