Pinball Clemons has provided yet another inspirational moment.
Pickering, Ont. native Joshua Telemaque, who attends St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School, dedicated his yearbook message to his late grandma. Instead, when the final version arrived, it had been replaced with a racist message.
Telemaque was celebrating his 18th birthday on his driveway due to COVID-19 and the Pinball Clemons Foundation provided a present while making a stand against racism. The foundation gave Telemaque a full four-year scholarship to the Canadian university of his choosing.
Toronto Argos communications manager and radio play-by-play voice Mike Hogan led the unofficial ceremony.
“We needed some time to, as we like to say with the Argos, ‘Pull Together’ everything. On behalf of the Michael Pinball Clemons Foundation, and the Toronto Argonauts, we would like to award you with a full four-year scholarship to a Canadian university,” Hogan said.
“We are sincerely sorry for what you had to go through, losing a close family member is not easy, neither is what you went through. You’re not alone through this, and we’ve got your back.”
Update: yesterday, the Argos shared this amazing birthday video with Joshua. I can feel the love. Thanks for your thoughtfulness.
Posted by Mayma Raphael on Thursday, October 15, 2020
It’s Telemaque’s dream to play football in university and the Pinball Clemons Foundation did its part to make that happen.
“We all needed to be served some positivity,” the foundation wrote on Instagram.
“Pinball and our team will be forever inspired by Joshua’s courage and kindness. Your community is behind you young man.”
