From Participant to Mentor

Andrew Larson got more than a chance to play sports when he joined a police-led youth program, growing from a participant to a mentor.

“In addition to playing sports and improving my fitness, I got the opportunity to meet individuals in the community who own businesses and are doing well in other areas,” he said, of Project Arrowhead, one of 41 Division’s Pro Action Cops & Kids-funded programs. “Securing those networks were my biggest takeaway from the program. I really liked being in that environment.”

The Sir Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute graduate was named given the Pro Action Cops & Kids Toronto Chapter Youth Award, recognizing high school students who have demonstrated personal growth in their program.

Larson said the program allowed him to come out of his shell.

Every Sunday for about two hours, the youths participate in boxing and basketball and are exposed to guest lecturers who teach them life skills.

Prior to entering the program, Larson said he felt uncomfortable approaching police officers.

“I didn’t know what to expect, so I stayed far away from them,” he added. “After getting into the program, I saw they are normal people just like me and a lot of them care about people in the community.”

Larson, who is pursuing carpentry as a career, was given the opportunity to join the 10-week program by his guidance counsellor.

“I was doing some things that I thought was fun,” he said. “Looking back, that was not right and I was immature. I realized I needed to do productive things.”

The 41 Division Neighbourhood Community Officers partnered with Arrow Group of Companies to deliver the initiative coordinated by Staff Sergeant Michael De Zilva and Constable Michael Sharpe.

A participant last year, Larson returned as a mentor this year.

“Andre was a bit shy when he started,” said De Zilva. “As the program progressed, we saw the change in his body language and confidence. He was very involved with the other youths on the basketball court.”

Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue and Superintendent Warren Wilson joined Nicole Benoit, Pro Action Cops & Kids Administrative & Program Director, in making the presentation to Larson on July 4.

Pro Action Cops & Kids has five chapters – Toronto, Durham, Hamilton, Peel and Halton.

Since inception in 1991, ProAction has reached over 420,000 young people through over 2,200 programs delivered in partnership with over 19,800 police officers across its chapters.