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.
_________________________________________
Before I begin with this blog, I want to take the opportunity to thank those of you who commented on my “Deeper than Sport – it’s Family” blog that talked about losing significant people in both my family and the Argos family with the loss of Norm Casola. It was not an easy blog to write as I was forced to recall some very sad moments. I was reminded and encouraged of how important the Argos family was in those times. Please keep writing in.
This week, I’m talking about Toronto Argonauts alumni who stay in the ‘T-dot’ instead of packing up and leaving. They stay because they have been so involved in the community that they realize what a beautiful place Toronto is. I believe that we have an edge over all other sports teams in this city because of the fact that we involve our players in a lot of off-season community initiatives. The city becomes their home.
Looking back at the days of such greats as Granville Liggins, Gene Mack, Bruce Smith, and more recently, Adrion Smith, Chuck Winters, Orlondo Steinauer and, of course, Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons – there are many others I am sure that I have missed – they are guys who have done a number of community appearances during their tenure as an Argonaut, both as a player and alum. If you ask them, they love this city like no other. This is has been a great advantage for all of us at the Argonauts because it has increased our roster of personalities exponentially over the years. It has also enabled me, specifically, to successfully implement school programs like Huddle Up Bullying Prevention when current players aren’t as available.
Recently, I had the privilege of taking Chuck Winters to a local high school. As Chuck talked to the students at Father Bressani, he explained how he was an alumnus of the Argos and had moved on with his life after football. I had a deeper respect for Chuck as he reflected on his first day in Toronto and how much he loved it here. He loved it so much that he moved his family here – from Detroit – to stay.
What is so remarkable about Chuck and other Argonauts alumni is how they have contributed their time to make a difference in a community that they not only represented as a player, but also developed a passion for. As a Canadian and Torontonian, I am very proud to have these athletes make the decision to live in our city and continue to give back as former players and now citizens.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on alumni contributions to the Toronto/GTA community in the past and present. I’d also like to know any ideas you have on how you would like to see us involve our alumni even more with our current initiatives.
Until the next blog…
“Make your passion your Life.”
– Jason
Have a question or comment for Jason? You can e-mail him at jcolero@argonauts.ca.