Canadian BIOGRAPHY® of the Year Essay Contest
Fraser Genuis
GRAND PRIZE Winner (GRADES 5 TO 8)
Prize: $5,000
Subject: Jarome Iginla
Soaring towards the clouds in the Canadian sky we have gargantuan maple and redwood trees; but standing high in Canadian society is Jarome Iginla, whose last name in Nigerian means the Big Tree. As the recipient of many awards and the first ever black captain in Canada's beloved national sport - hockey - Iggy (as he is called by his teammates) has had a major impact on and off the ice as an ambassador of goodwill and fair play, and a role model for youth.
Born the son of a white Canadian mother and a black Nigerian father, Jarome overcame the heartbreaking divorce of his parents and went onto become a champion of kindness to disadvantaged children. For example, for every goal he scores, Iginla donates $1,000 to Kidsport Calgary, which provides hockey equipment for underprivileged youth. In our multicultural nation, he showed that individuals from various cultural backgrounds can excel with hard work and commitment.
His contributions did not stop when his pay check ended during the 2004-2005 lockout, as he could always be found volunteering throughout the community. In the face of animosity during the lockout, Iginla refrained from being negative and always tried to make constructive comments, earning the respect of Canadians - young and old.
His recent examples of dedication, perseverance and humility provide a model for kids; his ongoing generosity and commitment provides a model for adults. Following the lead of Jarome Iginla, Canadians are able to positively influence our society and reach for the sky.
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