JASON COLERO
Toronto Argonauts Manager, Community Relations
Jason Colero started as a water boy and now, 25 years later, he’s the heart and soul of Argos’ community outreach programs. The friendly and energetic Manager of Community Relations now educates youth through a myriad of programs he leads throughout the GTA.
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On Friday January 29, the Argos Foundation was the recipient of the Rotary Youth Impact Award for the business category for its work in the schools and youth detention centre. This was truly an honour. However, the true reward was meeting former Argo Zeke O’Connor and listening to how he has made an impact. Zeke was the 2010 recipient of the Rotary Youth Impact Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with the Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation.
Just to hear how passionate he was as he told the story of how the money raised that night would give a young boy arms in Tibet was – inspiring. Once again, it demonstrated the way someone can direct efforts “off the field” with a very selfless act, and potentially change lives.
I looked back at past recipients of the award Zeke had been given, and saw none other than Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons in 2003. This got me thinking as to when people talk about giving back. Argonauts football has been such a big part of Canadian heritage for many years. As part of a community, members of this organization have always given back.
That night, I was so proud to be part of the Double Blue. Words couldn’t express the joy I felt when I talked to Zeke. My hat is tipped to him for his devotion to making a difference. I love to hear stories from people on how, ‘an Argo visited their school’ or, ‘how they remember Michael Clemons staying until the last autograph was signed’, or even how, ‘they remember meeting Granny Liggins at an event’.
I invite all of you to send in your stories of how the Double Blue has affected you in the community. To me, the stories are all awards that I want to hang on my wall. You can e-mail me at jcolero@argonauts.ca.