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The term "role model" has been widely used for decades but the definition of the term often come into question. So what is a role model? Are hockey players and other athletes role models? Can someone automatically meet the criteria based on their station in life or is based on something else?
In order to come up with a working definition, I started out with that ever-reliable source of information known as Wikipedia. I quote: “A role model is a person whose behaviour, example or success is/or can be emulated by other, especially young people.…
Let's break the term down a little further. At least in my view, a role model is:
• Someone you look up to. • Someone you respect. • Someone that you would want to be. • Someone that you would like your kids to be.
So if somebody does not fit into any of these categories, why do we put so many clearly undeserving people on a pedestal? We buy their records, we buy their jerseys, watch their movies. I don’t understand.
This past weekend I participated in the three different charity events in three different cities with some genuine role models. It was a wonderful weekend!
Not only did I have the opportunity to help out, but in the process I got to meet a lot of really great people who are making a difference. One thing that has always occurred to me was in making my way through my many charity travels, is that people tend to look towards professional athletes or famous people as role models.
A hockey player may or may not be a suitable role model. The same goes for a football player, a politician or a judge. It's a case-by-case basis. The reality is that there are everyday people doing amazing things that and who may be more deserving of being lauded as role models yet don’t get the credit that they deserve.
Private Michael Freeman Memorial Golf Tournament: Proceeds to Camp Maple Leaf
I don’t regularly golf. It's not a sport I particularly excel at or enjoy. However, I do golf two or three times each summer in tournaments that support charitable causes that I believe in. This particular golf tournament was held in honour of Private Michael Freeman, who was a young soldier killed in the line of duty. Michael’s parents organize the event and the proceeds raised go to Camp Maple Leaf, which is a camp solely for the use of Canadian military families.
Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer
As a kid growing up in Canada, I played two sports. One was ice hockey. The other was road hockey. This event is really neat because it captures the passion of Canada and the sole focus is to raise funds for cancer research.
Kevin Shea, who created the event, is the driving force behind it. Kevin does a tremendous job, working tirelessly on behalf of the cause. In four short years, he has turned it into a must attend event in Toronto.
My team, Pivot Health, raised $24,000! With that donation they earned the right to draft me to play on their team. Really, who wouldn't want an impact offensive player like me leading the way? It turned out we were better fundraisers than hockey players. We went 1-1-3 in the tournament. So much for Marshy making like Mario.
On a more serious note, there were some 60+ NHL Alumni on hand for this tournament. I had a great time catching up with a lot of old teammates and friends. Picture above, I am with hockey legend Paul Henderson, who is himself battling cancer, and our new friend Nicholas.
Best of all, the event raised a total of $2.2 million dollars for cancer research. Game on, cancer!
Sport Aurora Breakfast of Champions
Aurora is a town north of Toronto. Through this event, they have done a wonderful job encouraging local kids to be physically active. The event celebrates the teams and individuals in the town that won their respective championships in various sports. The Sport Council in town encourages kids to be the best that they can be through participating in sports.
I concluded my speech in Aurora by talking about the same topic I'm discussing in today's blog: role models and what makes a role model. I pointed out to the kids that just because professional athletes are in the limelight and make lots of money that doesn’t automatically make them a good role model.
I congratulated the coaches for being leaders and making a difference in the community. More importantly, I applauded the kids, Just by participating they are being role models to their friends. Above I am pictured with the Aurora Girls Hockey Team, who are the Ontario champions. Way to go, girls!
As I’m sure you can tell by some of the blogs I’ve written before, I’ve had a lot of role models throughout my hockey career. Yes, some of them are the Bobby Clarkes and Steve Yzermans of the NHL; the superstars. Many others, though, are people whose names have never been printed in the newspaper. I have known equipment managers and arena workers and scouts and officials and... well, you name it.... who have done things in their lives far more worthy of recognition as role models than some of the names and faces people instantly recognize.
The charity events like these three I just attended always remind me that role models come from all walks of life. Sometimes, you have to keep your eyes peeled so you don’t miss the opportunity of learning from them. There is inspiration to be found all around you if you look for it. There are things that impact other people's lives in far more important and positive ways than simply having skill in hitting around a frozen rubber disc for 60 minutes.