Foundation L’Originale Golf Tournament [2024]

2024-07-19
Posted by Invictus Gloves
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GOLF TOURNAMENT FOUNDATION L’ORIGINALE

At just 26 years old, Benjamin St-Juste is a cornerback for the Washington Commanders in the NFL. He is already making a significant impact off the field through his involvement with Fondation l’Originale.

During the organization’s inaugural golf tournament on Monday, June 17th, at Domaine Château-Bromont, St-Juste shared his vision with the attendees. “I feel blessed by life,” he said. St-Juste was one of three Quebecers in the NFL last season, alongside Matthew Bergeron and Sidy Sow.

“I feel blessed and I want to give back to our young people,” he continued. “I am a Quebecer, I know where I come from and I am proud of my origins.” Motivated by this sentiment, St-Juste accepted Martin Robert’s invitation to chair Fondation l’Originale.

The foundation aims to give young Quebec football players the resources and opportunities they need. This support helps them excel without leaving the province. The event featured athletes from various sports, including Luguentz Dort, Mikaël Kingsbury, and Jonathan Huberdeau.

St-Juste reflected on his own experiences. “When I was growing up, I saw a lack of opportunities,” he said. “There were few football camps, resources, or chances to showcase our talents as young Quebec athletes.”

More Quebecers in the NFL

With the involvement of figures like St-Juste and the support of Foundation l’Originale, the dream of seeing more Quebecers in the NFL is becoming a reality.

This initiative not only aims to nurture local talent but also to instill a sense of pride and possibility in young athletes across the province. The presence of Quebec NFL stars, Mathieu Betts, Detroit Lions player and Mathieu Bergero, Atlanta Falcons player were present.

Giving Back to the youth

“I thought if I had the opportunity to go pro and make it to the NFL, I was going to use my time, energy and resources to give back to the community and make it easier for kids.”

-Benjamin St-Juste

Originally from Rosemère in the Lower Laurentians, Benjamin St-Juste considers himself privileged. This fuels his desire to give back to his community. Encouraged by his father, Wilbert, and his mother, Louise Valiquette, St-Juste’s life took a transformative turn in 2015. At the age of 17, he enrolled in a football camp with the University of Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor. It was there that the renowned coach Jim Harbaugh saw his potential, comparing him to Richard Sherman. “From then on, it changed my life,” St-Juste recalls.

Back to the Origin

Benjamin St-Juste, a proud Quebecer, understands that not all young athletes can pursue opportunities in the U.S. He is leading the “Retour à l’Origine” camp through his foundation on July 6. The camp will be held at Curé-Antoine-Labelle High School in Laval, where he once played for the Wolves.

“When I was growing up, I saw a lack of opportunities,” St-Juste explains. “There were few resources or football camps where you could learn and showcase your talent as a young Quebec athlete.”

“For me, it was clear that if I had the chance to make it to the NFL, I would want to give back to the community,” he adds. “I want to make it easier for young people.”

Through this camp, St-Juste aims to provide the support and opportunities that were scarce during his own journey. He hopes to help the next generation of Quebec athletes reach their potential.

A new standard

In addition to the three players present Monday in Bromont, Sidy Sow of the New England Patriots is another Quebecer making his mark in the NFL. Reflecting on this growing trend, Bergeron remarked, “It’s pretty crazy. A few years ago, there was Laurent [Duvernay-Tardif], and that was pretty good.” St-Juste shared his vision for the future, adding, “The goal is to have 6, 8, or even 10 Quebecers in the NFL in a few years. We want it to become the norm because we know there is talent in Quebec.”

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