A huge smile appears on Olympic hopeful Brady Reardon’s face as he talks about how excited he is that Glenview Public School has adopted him as an athlete. In fact, he is so honoured by how the Burlington school has embraced and supported his efforts to make the two-man national kayak team for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England, he had the school's name painted on his kayak as a thank you.

The 25-year-old Nelson High School graduate hopes the students have learned as many great things as he has through Adopt An Athlete, a national program that links 75 Canadian athletes with schools. Talking with students, it sounds like they have.

“It’s incredible; the kids pump me up and it keeps me doing what I’m doing,” Reardon says. “I think it’s great for these kids to be excited about sports. You learn so many things within sport you can apply to life, like healthy living and problem solving.”

Two years ago, Glenview applied to Adopt an Athlete and was partnered with Reardon. He competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics in the four-man kayak, coming in ninth place. As part of the program, Glenview committed to participating in two fundraising events and in turn Reardon would visit the school twice during the school year. The school’s motto this year – what it calls its “Big Idea” – is to 'Believe in Yourself'. Staff say this was inspired by Reardon, who in turn has inspired the students. 

Grade 6 student Matthew says Reardon has been a positive role model.

“I think it’s great because it gives everybody someone to look up to, that if he can do it, so can I,” he says. “If you really set your mind to something, practice really hard, you can be up there with Brady. I think hard work is important because one day it will all pay off.”

“I learned if you try really hard, anything is possible,” says Grade 3 student Sarah. “Hard work helps me to do stuff.”

Reardon exemplifies many character traits such as perseverance, commitment, achieving dreams and setting goals. The kayaker has also helped lead the school’ s health and physical activity classes.

Teacher Pat Mifflin says the program seemed like a great teaching lesson for students, who relate well with Reardon. Mifflin's eyes well up thinking about the impact Adopt An Athlete has had on the school, explaining Reardon has called Glenview students his role models.

“The most exciting part of our relationship is the positive role model that Brady has been for not only the students, but the Glenview community. He has been such an inspiration to all of us and it is truly amazing to see the excitement on the childrens' faces each time Brady comes to visit us,” Mifflin says. “He reminds us if you have a dream, you go for it.”

Reardon's role modelling is caried through day-to-day school activities. Students are acknowledged by staff for character traits, like being kind, seen practiced in school, Mifflin adds.

Principal Deb Renton says through the program, students are aspiring “to be the best you can be” while, at the same time, learning not to be too hard on yourself.

“That is so important,” she said.