Sports and community spirit second nature to Josh Sacobie

	Josh Sacobie, keynote speaker at the Senate of Canada's celebration of National Child Day

Keeping up with Gee-Gees quarterback Josh Sacobie takes a lot of stamina – something this 24-year-old social sciences student has in abundance. In the space of three weeks, the Gee-Gees quarterback was named Most Valuable Player of Ontario University Athletics, was the keynote speaker during the Senate of Canada’s celebration of National Child Day, and managed to keep up with his studies.

A fourth-year starter with the Gee-Gees, Sacobie is a member of the Maliseet First Nation near Fredericton, New Brunswick. After losing his father three years ago to a heart attack at age 40 and seeing his mother, sister and brother succumb – then overcome – addictions, he sends the message of hope to youth, especially aboriginal youth. “Self-esteem is a thing that pins many people down. It pinned me down when I was a kid,” said Sacobie.

“I have seen 90 per cent of my friends all take that wrong path down the road. It’s almost like I feel lucky to go on to post-secondary [studies], to be able to play at the next level in football, to better educate myself.”

Sacobie, a three-year captain, is the Gee-Gees leader in all-time touchdown passes and career yards. He was selected 2007 MVP of Ontario University Athletics after leading uOttawa to an 8-0 finish in the regular season.