The North Bay Police Service in partnership with the NoahStrong organization, is hosting an event they hope will inspire North Bay area teens.
On May 29, the Police Service will host a movie event at the Capitol Centre where students will watch the inspiring 1993 football movie "Rudy" and meet and interact with the person the movie was about.
Rudy Ruettiger is now a motivational speaker and author.
His story was immortalized in the hit movie about Rudy as he rose from humble beginnings and went on to achieve his dream of playing college football for Notre Dame.
Grade 9 students from multiple school boards in the area will participate.
Mike Daze, deputy police chief, says the service was able to coordinate the event through the use of a proceeds of crime provincial grant.
"I think it is a unique way to engage our young people and there are a lot of challenges our youth face today and what is that resiliency and how do they push forward with their dreams and goals despite some of the obstacles; whatever they may be," explained Daze after Tuesday's North Bay Police Board meeting.
"It was designed for youth engagement so I think we were able to seize the opportunity and grants are available to help benefit people in our community.
"I think it is a way to inspire young people not to give up and to keep going and keep going. I think the Rudy message is an interesting way to bring that together where they can see the movie and meet the person."
Daze says it's another layer of connection the North Bay Police are trying to create with the area's youth. Earlier in the year, the Police Service introduced a new mascot named "Radar." The mascot has attended schools and various events around the city.
"We are really trying to foster growth and forge relationships with our young people," said Daze.
"We recognize they are the future of our community and our country. So I think to take these concerted efforts to do this, reach out and this engagement with them is valuable for both the officers; many who have kids in this age group, and see the challenges but also our community so we can build trust and faith within our community and our police service."
