FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. -- Sometimes, children are told their dreams are nearly impossible.
Having aspirations to be an NHL hockey player, or a movie star, or even an astronaut. Classroom Champions is working on showing kids their dreams can be reality. That’s why the Meslers started the organization.
“We realize that the best way for us to actually make an impact would be for me to be able to create a relationship with kids over the course of time,” says Steve Mesler.
Steve Mesler, US Bobsledder, made it to the Olympics three times. Mesler co-created Classroom Champions back in 2009 before his final Olympic games. Working with his sister, who’s a teacher, creating a bond between the two careers. The goal the Meslers want to achieve is showing kids they can accomplish anything they work for.
“It makes us feel great, my sister and I never would have thought over 10 years ago, going into the Vancouver Olympics, that we had almost 300 athletes volunteer, and that we'd have thousands of teachers implementing Classroom Champions and actually seeing the results that we're seeing,” says Mesler.
The organization has over 300 athletes, including Cody Dolan mentoring at Bert Ambrose Elementary School. Dolan is a part of the Canadian Para Hockey team, originally from Calgary.
“I think when I was growing up, I looked towards guys like Sidney Crosby or Wayne Gretzky. The chances of me getting on the phone with them was probably slim to none. But the unique thing about Classroom Champions is they bridge that gap,” says Dolan.
Ruth Lee, grade 4/5 teacher at Bert Ambrose, says her students really enjoy the program.
“All the kids are happy to be part of the whole process, “says Lee.
She says it’s a great way for the kids to see they are real people.
“Cody was so personable, and then he had his five-month-old baby with him. So that just shows them being a dad and being a real person,” says Lee.
Classroom Champions has and will continue to mentor students. Over 18,000 classrooms are involved, across 8 provinces.
“We have a waitlist of athletes that are ready to be matched with their schools,” says Mesler.
“To see the impact Class of Champions has is a mind-blowing thing for most athletes,” says Mesler.
