Marc Calixte touched by warm reception from Laval

Expressing great satisfaction over his contribution to the championship season he helped his CFL club – the Calgary Stampeders – achieve, Calixte proudly hoisted the trophy, emblematic of Canadian Professional Football supremacy, on several occasions during the reception, as a sign of wanting to share his success with his city and with many of the people who have been instrumental in his accomplishments.

Mayor Vaillancourt noted Calixte's exceptional acchievement, earning him the Ville de Laval Council Medal. The former member of Laval's Patriotes was also invited to sign the city's golden book to mark his visit for posterity. Calixte showed he was up to the historic task, writing in the book a short message that read: "Thank you Laval, for helping me fulfill one of my life-long dreams."

"Marc Calixte did Laval honour in the autumn of 2008, as a member of the Grey-Cup winning Calgary Stampeders. It's important to acknowledge the exceptional sport achievement of a great athlete who is one of us," Mr. Vaillancourt stated. Mr. Calixte, who played his first football on Laval fields in Vimont, is a true model for our young athletes. He's not only a source of inspiration for these young people but also an example of motivation and determination for all of Laval," the mayor added.

Following the tributes, Marc Calixte had a message of his own to deliver. "Wow, I never expected to get so many compliments…especially since I'm in enemy territory," he joked.

"Seriously though, I'm truly touched. What I've become as man and athlete I owe to my family, my coaches, and the many volunteers in Laval Minor Football. Thanks to them, I lived one of the greatest moments of my life this past November, when I was able to hoist the Grey Cup."

Calixte was visibly moved, with a lump in his throat, when asked about his father, Jean-François. "My father was an example of discipline. He never let up. 'If you want to play football you've got to do well in school,' he always insisted."

As his address to the gathering reached its conclusion, Marc directed a few words at the young football players in attendance and to all young people in the community-at-large. He told them that that at the beginning of his involvement in football, he asked himself if he had chosen the right sport. "I was scared. I got hit very hard as of my second day with the Patriotes. I was knocked down many times. But I always got up. All obstacles can be overcome. The Grey Cup is not the end for me, it's just the beginning."