Three B.C. Lions were in Penticton Tuesday to talk to young people about life choices

B.C. Lions Antonio Johnson watches the progress of Hadley Erickson of the Penticton Christian School during the blindfold race. The players were at the Penticton Church of the Nararene to help kids with life choices. Mark Brett/Western News

Three B.C. Lions were in town Tuesday, not for a sports talk, but rather to give some kids a bit of life advice from the heart.

About 30 students from Penticton Christian and Concordia Lutheran schools heard personal stories from slotback Emmanuel Arceneaux, linebacker Antonio Johnson and Shaq Johnson during an afternoon session at the Penticton Church of the Nazarene.

Arceneaux told the students about the importance of believing in themselves regardless. He was told growing up, he was not good enough.

“I was told that every single day so it just all falls back to setting those goals early, regardless of what somebody says,” said the B.C. Lions player, who comes in in the top four of every team receiving stat and once played in the National Football League. “I just want to let you guys know, you can be whatever you want to. Plan your work, work your plan. Whatever you’re trying to do, write it down because you’re going to see it enough, you’re going to start to believe it.”

Related: B.C. Lions urge high school students to make a difference

Shaq Johnson talked about the importance of staying in school and working hard.

Growing up in Toronto, classes were not a priority, and although he did eventually make it to the pros, the journey was much more difficult.

“The choices you guys can make can definitely help you or hurt you but never lose sight of what you actually want to be,” he said. “My message to you guys today is understand the choices and remember that school will always be the right choice.”

Antonio Johnson’s message to the kids: “You get knocked down, you get back up.”



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Quinn Garriott of Concordia Lutheran School runs the obstacle course with B.C. Lions’ Shaq Johnson (left) and Emmanuel Arceneaux watching in the background. Three Lions were at the Penticton Church of the Nazarene Tuesday to talk with students. Mark Brett/Western News

Quinn Garriott of Concordia Lutheran School during one of the games that were part of the B.C. Lions visit Tuesday to the Penticton Church of the Nararene. Mark Brett/Western News