Former NFL tight end Antony Auclair now has his own comic strip which was unveiled Monday in front of his family members by Sport’Aide as an educational tool to counter bullying among young people.
Himself a victim of bullying in high school, the 31-year-old Beauceron wants to help young people who are experiencing the same problem with the book entitled The Adventures of Antony. “Both in the classroom and on the field, I have the development of young people at heart,” said Auclair to explain his involvement as co-spokesperson for Sport’Aide. This book can accomplish a lot and offers tools for discussion between young people and their parents.
“This book takes my story from my elementary school years to my years in the NFL, chasing the guy who won the Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 202. Bullying is a taboo subject. Out of fear or pride, young people don’t want to talk about it.”
Auclair wants to help young people not to isolate themselves when they experience problems. “Young people must not see their decision to open up and ask for help as weakness. It’s more of a strength. I receive several messages from mothers who want me to help their child. I go to hospitals and contact young people by telephone.”
“I feel really pampered”
Auclair appreciates that Sport’Aide turned to him as a model for young people experiencing problems. “It’s appreciated and I feel really pampered. I want to help as many young people as possible. Bullying is a subject that affects me a lot. During COVID-19, it was difficult for young people and even more so for young athletes. Being able to talk to them and offer conferences to the teams, I think it can help and the young people feel less alone.”
Family values
Consulted to retrace the story of her son, Antony’s mother, Marie-Andrée Quirion, also signed the preface of the book. For this special day, Auclair was surrounded by several members of his family, including his parents, his grandmother, a sister and an aunt.
“There is a natural link between Antony and Sport’Aide given his history of intimidation which touched me from the start,” said general manager Sylvain Croteau. He wants to carry the message and be part of the solution. His family unit is strong and that is another interesting factor. A strong family relationship promotes discussions between parents and children.”
“In the drift of events surrounding Cédric Paré who injured a Canadiens player, adults made unacceptable comments on social networks,” added Croteau. What message did these parents send to their children? This is why the role of parents is so important.”
Back at his primary school
The official launch will take place in a few weeks at the Notre-Dame-des-Pins primary school in Beauce where Auclair studied. Her teacher at the time is still in post and she asked her students to prepare questions for the assistant coach of the Rouge et Or at Laval University.
Auclair is also involved in another project with Sport’Aide. The educational project Demain un homme aims to promote positive masculinity and will be available in schools in the Quebec region this fall or winter.
