Calgary-based national charity Classroom Champions is embarking on a campaign to raise $500,000 to help remove children from the waitlist for its mentorship programs. The initiative aims to connect students in kindergarten through eighth grade with elite athletes who share their personal stories of setbacks, discipline, training, and success.
Luncheon Panel with Sports Legends
On Wednesday, the charity hosted a luncheon panel at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel in Calgary. The event featured former NHL captain Trevor Linden, Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund, and three-time Olympian Meaghan Mikkelson. They discussed their experiences, challenges, mentors, and the dedication required to achieve their level of success.
Three-Tiered Mentorship Model
According to CEO Seth Rosenzweig, the program operates through three methods. Students can watch videos of athletes integrated into the curriculum, receive regular in-class visits from athletes, or participate in live virtual chats where they can interact directly and ask questions.
When asked about common questions from children, Backlund joked, "What's it like to play in the NHL? How much money do you make?" Mikkelson added, "A lot of kids ask how hard it was to win. I show them my Olympic medals and tell them it was really hard. But the greatest achievements in life are hard to get."
Inspiring Beyond the Podium
The program also includes athletes who did not reach the international stage. Rosenzweig noted, "The athletes who didn't make it were some of the first to cover our classrooms." These athletes receive admiration and praise from the children, reinforcing their sense of purpose beyond competition. "They feel more than just an athlete," he said.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Rosenzweig shared, "The kids love it. They say, 'Wow, we have someone who really cares about us.'" Data from the program indicates increased motivation to attend school, willingness to learn, reduced disciplinary issues, less bullying, improved mental health scores, and higher teacher satisfaction. "It's not just a program, it's a movement," he emphasized.
Role Models for Future Generations
Providing mentorship gives children the opportunity to believe in achievement. Mikkelson stated, "It's really important for kids to have role models to see what's possible. That's what this program allows." Linden added, "It's about helping kids understand that any goal requires work. Practice makes progress. We're not striving for perfection, we're striving to get better."
