By Charlene Tebbutt

Thompson talks with local students about lacrosse and the power of sport

Mar 22, 2018 | 5:00 PM

Jeremy Thompson spent time with students at Riverside Community School in Prince Albert Thursday, sharing his message of hope and inspiration and helping them learn Canada’s national sport.

Thompson plays professional lacrosse with the Saskatchewan Rush in the National Lacrosse League. He grew up on the Onondaga Nation in New York and now spends time talking to youths about the power of sport.

Thompson said he faced challenges as a young man, growing up without running water and “not a lot of things,” while also struggling with drugs and alcohol. Thompson and his brothers, who also play professional lacrosse, found hope in the sport and he credited key figures in his life with showing him a positive way forward.

“I see myself as an uncle to a lot of these kids that may need it, because you never know if it’s a simple phrase that you say, or the actions that you do, or a feeling that you give off, and you never know where it could take that kid,” he told paNOW.

Thompson told students Thursday to stay positive and be ready to listen and learn from others.

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“One of the things I want you to know is how important you are to this lifetime,” he said. “My best advice to you is to be a sponge. Always keep your ears open and direct your words.”

Tanya Vancoughnett, a Grade 8 teacher at Riverside Community School, said positive role models are important for students who may be facing challenges in their own lives. 

“Something like this would hit home with them because they’re growing up in a life where they have tough circumstances,” she said. “He spoke a little about drugs and alcohol, and also about suicidal thoughts, and those are real issues that our youth face today.”

Following the presentation, Thompson picked up a lacrosse stick to work with students on the basics of the game. He said it’s important to give back and show kids how grateful he is for the opportunity to play professional lacrosse.

“It’s so easy to be a follower and it’s so hard to be a leader,” he added. “I feel like society teaches a lot of us to be followers and to do what other people are doing and that it’s not okay to be your own self.”

The Riverside Community School’s new drumming group performed during the event Thursday, and Thompson also talked to students about the significance of lacrosse in First Nations culture.

“It truly has been a medicine to my people,” he added.

charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt