By Cole Hobson
Published in the Telegraph-Journal on April 23, 2009
Appeared on Page A1

Damon Allen knows a thing or two about making it in the world of sports.

Allen, a four-time Grey Cup winner in the Canadian Football League, is arguably one of the greatest quarterbacks the league has ever seen, as he left behind a series of records and accomplishments before his retirement in 2007.

The sporting hero will now travel to Saint John to help pass on a message of inspiration and support for a local charity designed to help ensure every child has similar opportunities to the one's the star quarterback had "" the opportunity to get in the game and be involved in sports and recreation activities.

"I was exposed to a lot," Allen told [here], noting he played Little League Baseball as well as Pop Warner Football growing up. "I understand the benefit of being exposed, because it makes a person well- rounded and appreciate where he is, then it also allows him to map out his desires and what he wants to do."

Allen "" whose career provides as good a road map as any for following your desires to the top "" will be the guest speaker on April 25 at the annual Out of the Park fundraising dinner for P.R.O. (Positive Recreation Opportunities for) Kids.

P.R.O. Kids Saint John has been around since 2002, with a mission of providing assistance to as many children and youth as possible who are unable to participate in sport, art, recreation or cultural activities due to financial limitations. The program expanded in 2005 so that families in Quispamsis, Rothesay and Grand Bay-Westfield could also apply for funding through the program, in addition to those in Saint John.

By his own admission, Allen grew up in a good environment, where he was given plenty of opportunity to participate and excel in sports. The former CFL star, who is still involved with the Toronto Argonauts franchise as an advisor, was more than happy to accept the invitation to speak in Saint John on behalf of P.R.O. Kids.

"I think it's very important. It truly shows that the community is actually teaming up. When we think of the acronym for team, it's together everybody achieves more," he said. "It's their way of giving back to make sure the people within the community of Saint John are going to leave a legacy for the young people. Then once they get to that age, they can continue to give back to the next generation."

Tammy DeSaulniers, P.R.O. Kids Saint John manager, said the city's program was modeled after a similar one which began in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She added that the group has over 30 program partners to help in matching kids with various recreation activities "" whether it's sports, dance lessons, summer camp, music lessons or recreational activity.

"We started out and might have placed maybe 50 to 100 kids in the first year of the program," DeSaulniers said. "Last year we placed 600 kids and it was our biggest year. This year I wouldn't be surprised if there was demand for over 700. I'm hoping we can meet that, but with a lot of companies cutting back it's tougher to fundraise."

The annual Out of the Park dinner is the group's largest fundraiser, as $27,000 was raised last year "" a total DeSaulnier is hoping to match this year. Along with a dinner, the event will also feature an auction and of course, the speech from the guest of honour, who is hoping to pass on a message of inspiration.

"It takes hard work and dedication, commitment and sacrifice (to make it). Some of the things I had to sacrifice were going out at night partying, because I was focusing on my passion and playing the game," Allen said. "I just love the fact that I was able to participate in the sports that I wanted and enjoyed playing and that's always been the biggest thing for me. It's about participating. If you're not participating, then it's not very fun."

Allen, who is a member of the National Speakers Bureau and is no stranger to addressing large crowds, said he realizes the value hearing a positive message can have.

"It's just giving back, giving some time, resources, all those things to encourage young people "¦ Understanding that it was done for me, I remember when I was a little kid and someone would come in and speak and try to encourage us, to encourage us that we can make it in life," he said. "I'm just trying to do the same thing "¦ When we give back we don't know the lives we'll truly impact."

While his Grey Cups, MVP trophies and all-time pro football passing record of 72,381 career yards gives Allen every reason to have a big ego, it's quite obvious that's far from the case.

"He's been so wonderful, this is my first year planning the dinner and you couldn't ask for a nicer guy," DeSaulnier said.

A modest Allen, whose older brother is NFL Hall of Famer Marcus Allen, deflected the praise, giving the credit to the support and love he had growing up.

"When I speak to those things of who I am today, it has more to do with who my parents are and what they instilled in us. We have a respect for other people and a desire to work hard at what we do," he said. "Everything I do, I really try to think 'I want to have fun today'. But at the same time, I want to relay a message, I want to show my passions and have respect for other people.

"I always thought about how I don't want to be one of those bitter guys, I want to enjoy what I do."

DeSaulnier is hoping others enjoy what Allen does in Saint John during his speech and that it leads to another successful year for P.R.O. Kids.

"I think with Damon Allen, most people will say if he believes in the program, than I should too," she said. "He's an athlete, he's been there and he speaks from experience. A lot of stories and things he's seen are things that go on right here at home, we're all very similar. I think he knows first hand and sometimes you need the big voice to step it up."

The fundraising dinner will take place April 25 in the Delta Brunswick Ballroom. For more information on the event or P.R.O. Kids Saint John, visit www.prokidssj.ca or call (506) 642-7529.