On 21 November 2015, the second edition of the educational and motivational programme 'Meet an Athlete' will take place at the Youth House Bridel, led by Olympic medalist and world champion, Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie.
The series of inspirational meeting with world-class athletes, organised by the non-profit organisation Sportunity and the Youth House Bridel (Luxembourg Red Cross), aims to teach young people important life lessons. This next edition will be the turn of 100 and 200 metre sprinter Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie to provide her perspective and input on peace and tolerance.
Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie, a Bahamian athlete of Jamaican heritage, has won more than 52 medals in international competitions during her career, including Olympic gold, silver and bronze; and World Champion with 2 gold, silver and bronze in Track and Field. The first female athlete to make three consecutive Olympic finals in both 100m and 200m, Debbie was also nominated Goodwill Ambassador of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in 2002. She currently coaches track and field at the University of Houston in Texas.
The 'Meet an Athlete' programme was first launched by Sportunity earlier this year, beginning with triple world boxing champion Hassan N'Dam as the guest athlete and mentor. The upcoming edition has received the sponsorship of the EIB Institute and will allow young people from the Bridel and Steinsel area, as well as teenagers from refugee families living in the 'Luxembourg-Eich' shelter, to take part in the so-called 'Class of Debbie'.
Sportunity brings together prominent sport figures and youth in order to create positive changes in people's lives through sport. Athletes who participate contribute personal examples and real life stories to teach important life lessons and healthy behaviours to children. The 'Class of Debbie' will provide an opportunity for participants to meet a world class athlete as well as socialise with other teenagers from different backgrounds, paving the way for cultural integration, intercultural exchanges and the merging of Luxembourg society.
Photo by Vebidoo (Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie)
