What was to be a motivational speech from an ex-Roughrider at a local high school has expanded into a community-wide event for Carrot River.
Shomari Williams, along with former teammates Marcus Adam and Wes Cates will be in the town Nov. 16.
“Shomari Williams wants to get his motivational speaking on the go for Saskatchewan and we’re going to be their first presentation,” said Chad Trombley, one of the organizers of the event. “He wants to do it all over Saskatchewan. So we said: yeah, we’ll take it. We’ll hit it hard and set a precedent.”
The day begins with a motivational speech at the Carrot River High School Gym at 10 a.m. That will be followed at 12 p.m. for a lunch, followed by an interactive meet-and-greet session. All are welcome and encouraged to wear ’Rider green.
There will also be the chance for 15 or 20 students, selected through an essay contest, to spend some time with the Roughriders.
The event is sponsored by Integra Tire Carrot River in conjunction with the high school and Carrot River Recreation Board.
When Trombley, who’s the owner of Integra Tire, found out that Williams would be speaking at the high school, he had no problem putting in the effort to expand it into a community event.
“When we get an idea like this and see the potential that it has, we go with it head on and we’ll make it big, right off the get-go.”
Miranda Blaber, the Recreation Board’s director, said an opportunity like this isn’t something that comes around often.
“It’s a great opportunity to hear people that have unique experiences speak about their past experiences and also share what has motivated them to push themselves to reach such heights,” she said, adding the three men have pushed themselves to have a professional career – something that many dream about.
Trombley said the event is a great way to motivate kids in a football-crazy town like Carrot River.
The motivational speech will be at the Carrot River High School on Nov. 16 at 10 a.m, followed by lunch at 12 p.m. and a meet-and-greet.
