Gee-Gee alum Sacobie to be inducted into New Brunswick Aboriginal Sport Hall of Fame
The exceptional accomplishments of former Gee-Gees quarterback Josh Sacobie continue to be recognized, especially by those in his hometown community, as the Fredericton, N.B., native recently received word that he will be part of this year’s New Brunswick Aboriginal Sport Hall of Fame’s inaugural class.
“I was humbled,” said Sacobie, on hearing the news. “It’s quite an honour.”
Sacobie has earned many achievements throughout his athletic career. The former starting quarterback for the Garnet and Grey had a historic five-year career with the Gee-Gees (2004-05 to 2008-09), during which time he collected two All-Canadian Team selections, three OUA East All-Star nods, and three University of Ottawa Male Athlete of the Year awards, while also being named the 2006 Yates Cup Most Outstanding Player (Dalt White Trophy) and the 2007 OUA Most Valuable Player (and Hec Crighton candidate). He still holds the record as Gee-Gees all-time leading passer with 7,714 yards. In addition, in 2011 he was selected to Canada’s National Team, bringing home a silver medal from the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) World Championship in Vienna, Austria.
“Having known Josh for the last ten years or so, I believe this is well deserved,” said former Gee-Gees Football head coach Jean-Philippe Asselin, who played alongside Sacobie from 2004 to 2006 and helped to coach him during the 2007-08 season. “I am so proud of what he has done for aboriginal youth; he is the kind of person that had to work for everything he has and he feels that it is important to give back, to help others.”
And this is not the first such recognition from the New Brunswick Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Authority (NBASRA) for Sacobie. In 2007, he received the Tom Longboat Award, an honour awarded annually by the Aboriginal Sport Circle to the top male and female Aboriginal athlete from New Brunswick in recognition of their achievements in sport. Sacobie says that to still be recognized in his hometown and his home province is a remarkable feeling and a real honour.
Sacobie continues to dedicate his life to sport and football. He is currently employed at Football Canada as the Technical Coordinator and volunteers his time with the Gee-Gees as the quarterbacks coach, as well as to Gen 7, an Aboriginal Youth Program.
For Sacobie, dedicating his time to Gen 7 and Aboriginal youth is something he truly enjoys, “more of a habit,” as he shares a personal connection them: “It’s important for me; it reminds me of who I am and where I come from. I’ve been in their shoes coming up. A lot of them don’t have the same opportunities as non-aboriginal youth.”
Since 2009, he has worked with hundreds of aboriginal youth in different communities, helping them experience how involvement in sport can play an important role in setting a positive lifestyle.
Whether it be on the field, at work, or in the community, Sacobie continues to exemplify what it truly means to recognize and exercise one’s gifts and talents, not only for one’s personal success but to help cultivate success in those around us.
Source: uOttawa Athletics
