Follow CFL

© 2024 CFL. All rights reserved.

Previous
Draft
Round
-
#- Overall
On The Clock
Next

Manny Arceneaux: ‘If you can play, you can play’

CFL.ca
@kcostabile1

This Saturday afternoon’s game at BMO Field is an exciting one for many reasons.

The CFL has been proudly partnered with You Can Play since 2014 and as the league continues to celebrate diversity and inclusion, specifically with the Diversity is Strength campaign, it’s very excited that Saturday is the Argonauts’ You Can Play game.

Lions slotback Manny Arceneaux, who will be in town to take on the Boatmen, is BC’s You Can Play ambassador and we had a chance to ask him why he became an ambassador and why inclusion in sport is so important.

CFL: Why did you become a You Can Play ambassador for your team?

Manny Arceneaux: I became an ambassador for my team for YCP because it’s a serious issue when it comes to being teased, bullied and left out. What some find as a joke has resulted into many individuals taking their own life to the point where some may have felt that death is much more happier than being alive.

CFL: Why is inclusion in sport so important?

MA: Inclusion in sports is very important. It teaches us to respect everyone and to accept them for who they are and, more importantly, a bond is formed through communication. That creates an environment for positivity and for us to feel safe. Also, I believe when teams or organizations are more inclusive their athletes feel a sense of belonging which is extremely important in building trust and productiveness.

CFL: Do you have a story/anecdote you’d like to share?

MA: The No. 1 question that always come up in the locker room: What would you do if you had a gay teammate? This is a huge debate because so many people share their opinions with no filters. At the end of the day, I believe if you can play, you can play! You’re an athlete regardless of your sexual preference and beliefs plus we’re all human and deserve to be respected.

CFL: What advice would you give to other athletes and young people who want to be allies and make their team a more inclusive space?

MA: My advice would be to embrace one another and not judge a book by it’s cover. We have to be open to other people beliefs and choices with a growth mindset. It’s not our place to judge anyone and make them feel less than.

Kickoff is 4 p.m. and you can purchase tickets here. With your tickets you get access to the CNE and you can celebrate diversity with the You Can Play and Diversity is Strength initiatives.