An old friend and Canadian icon joined BC Lions wide receiver Shawn Gore as he made a triumphant return to his hometown with stops at Rawlinson CS, JR Wilcox CS, and alma mater Don Mills CI. No, it wasn't hockey great Wayne Gretzky, songstress Celine Dion or environmentalist David Suzuki. Gore, a former TDSB student and standout on the gridiron at Newtonbrook SS, had that Canadian classic , the Grey Cup in tow.
In a way, it was a homecoming for the Grey Cup too. Since it has become the symbol of Canadian football supremacy, the championship game for the cup has been played in Toronto 45 times. And the Toronto Argonauts team has won the cup more than any other team.
Gore showed off the Grey Cup and talked to students about motivation, an important character trait that can help young people succeed in whatever they endeavour. He also spoke to students about the power of sport, the importance of dreams, the value of goal setting, and lessons that come from making mistakes and staying true to oneself along the way.
"All of his elite level athletic achievements have been connected to pathways and decisions which focussed upon education, family and self expression," said Don Mills CI teacher Dan Kunanec. "He is a joyful young man who communicates with passion and pure honesty [and] I cannot think of a better example of positive inspiration for his community."
See pics of the Grey Cup at Don Mills CI with students, staff, Director of Education Chris Spence, and Gore.