CFL Players Drop by Nanaimo School to Speak out Against Violence

CFL players drop by Nanaimo school to speak out against violence http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/news/story.html?id=6315a897-3589-4d6d-8...

Walter Cordery, Daily News

Published: Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Students at Cedar Community Secondary School were spellbound, listening as Angus Reid told them how difﬁcult it was to confront teammates when he saw or heard them making disparaging remarks about women.

The B.C. Lions centre, accompanied by slotback Shawn Gore, kicked off the team's Be More Than a Bystander initiative at the school.

Working in conjunction with the Ending Violence Association of B.C., the team has launched a three-year program that will see Lions players criss-cross the province in an attempt to put an end to violence against women.

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Shawn Gore of the B.C. Lions poses with Grade 10 students Brooke Richmond, left, and Keesha Yanda following the kick off to the team's Don't be a Bystander program at Cedar Community Secondary School uesday.The Lions are running the program to help stop violence against women in conjunction with the Ending Violence Association of B.C.

Walter Cordery/Daily News

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7 of 9 12-02-29 1:15 PM CFL players drop by Nanaimo school to speak out against violence http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/news/story.html?id=6315a897-3589-4d6d-8...

Cedar Community Secondary was the ﬁrst stop during the tour. "We are the only professional team in North America to be involved in this type of anti-violence program," Reid said.

On the eve of anti-bullying day, both Reid and Gore said it was just coincidental that the program kicked off Tuesday.

"This has been in the works for some time and we will be visiting many communities across the province to make this presentation," Reid said.

Much of the presentation was aimed at teenage males who may witness violence against women or hear their friends slur female acquaintances.

"Everyone here can play a role in creating a safe respectful environment for your school and your community."

The two Grey Cup champions told the children that every year approximately 800,000 children witness some form of violence against women and that is unacceptable to just stand back and do nothing.

"It may seem like nothing," said Gore, "sexist jokes or comments about a how a girl or woman is dressed."

The point of the presentation was to tell young people that they can make a difference.

"Don't just stand by and do nothing," said Gore.

Reid admitted even he, a captain of a Canadian Football League team, feels uncomfortable confronting a colleague about issues surrounding violence against women.

"And I'm supposed to be a tough guy," he said.

"I'm a football player."

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8 of 9 12-02-29 1:15 PM