Motivational speaker challenges youth

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Mohawk motivational speaker Quincy Mack teaches young people to set challenging goals for themselves. The Brantford man recently delivered his "dare to be different" message to a student assembly at Wasse Abin High School on Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve.

A self-described "motivational entertainer," QMack, as he is known, has toured more than 200 schools to amuse and educate youngsters. His stated mission is to "empower" youth to build personal confidence and to withstand bullying.

The Humber College graduate started refining his basketball skills in 1987 and now uses "tons of cool tricks" to grab the attention of high school students. The Wasse Abin youth responded enthusiastically to QMack's interactive approach during his visit to Manitoulin Island March 25.

QMack stressed the importance of trying new things and practising skills. "Get out of your comfort zone. Don't be afraid of change. Admit and address your weaknesses. Sometimes you have to mess up a few times before you get it right," he said.

At five-foot-eight-inches tall, he isn't a stereotypical hoopster, but he demonstrated that persistence is the key to mastery of any skill.

With more than 100 basketball tricks and a bag of prizes, including books, CDs and Nike products, the 26-year-old kept the audience rapt for 90 minutes. Especially popular with the teens were basketball tricks called the Skyscraper and Around the World.

He told several tales about his own experiences with bullying in high school and encouraged his listeners to "be proud of your lineage."

"When you are setting goals for yourself, it doesn't matter where you come from," he said. "Stop believing what other people say about you and start finding out what you want to do and do it. Find a way to get there.

"Show your stuff," he said. "Whether it be on the court or in the classroom. Do it daily until you improve your skill level."

When he first started out playing basketball he endured putdowns and teasing, he confided. "Indians don't play basketball," some taunted. Others made fun of how he handled the ball.

"Sure I had days of embarassment and humiliation," he said. "Sometimes I just wanted to throw that basketball into the nose of those who persecuted me. I know what it feels like to be laughed at and pointed at."

Today the teasing is just an unpleasant memory. QMack works with the NBA and the Toronto Raptors and appears on MuchMusic. He has secured an endorsement from athletic gear manufacturer Nike and has published his biography entitled Dare to be Different through ECW Press. The book outlines the ten top life lessons he wishes to pass on to the next generation.

This fall, he plans to host a Saturday morning children's television show. In addition, he runs basketball camps that teach youth how to handle peer pressure and to cultivate a positive self-image.

To learn more about confidence-building and goal-setting log on to www.qmack.com.