Sports stars spread anti-bullying message in schools

Sports celebrities took to classrooms across Cayman on Thursday to help rally support against bullying.  

The sports stars had been slated to speak out against bullying at the McGee Classic sporting event this month, organized to honor 15-year-old Caymanian basketball enthusiast Ezra McLaughlin, who took his own life after falling victim to cyber bullying. 

The teenager’s basketball coach and former pro European player Cory McGee planned the event in his memory, but it was later canceled because of logistical issues. However, sports icons, including former National Hockey League goalie Grant Fuhr, former West Indian cricketer Michael Holding, and former NFL quarterback Jim McMahon agreed to spend time visiting schools in Cayman, discussing bullying with students, giving advice and signing autographs. 

The group visited Cayman Prep and High School, Cayman International School, Cayman Islands Further Education Centre, St. Ignatius Catholic School and Kings after-school program on Thursday.  

Students took a pledge with the athletes, agreeing to treat each other with respect and kindness, and to ask for help if needed. 

McGee, 42, who also visited the schools, said he was happy the group had been given the opportunity to work with schools and talk about the very relevant and serious issue of bullying. 

He has been campaigning against bullying since Ezra McLaughlin’s death in March 2013. 

“I appreciate the support of the principals and staff who acknowledge that there is a problem and are interested in partnering together to get the message of respect out there,” Mr. McGee said. 

“This is a serious situation. When you say things, when you make jokes about other people, you don’t know how it will affect them. Believe in yourself. Respect yourself and respect others around you,” he told students. 

Mr. Holding said bullying had entered a new forum because of the introduction of cyber bullying that allows things “to spread like wild fire.” 

“Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Do not do something to someone that you would not like them to do to you,” he told pupils. 

“I am a parent, and I do not know how I would handle one of my children taking their own life. Parents are not supposed to bury their children,” he said. 

Mr. Fuhr reminded students that words they found funny might actually be harmful to others. 

“You have to trust yourself, believe in yourself, and more importantly be nice to other people,” he said. 

Mr. McMahon said he was embarrassed by the amount of abuse currently going on. “You have to look in the mirror every day and know that you did the right thing,” he said. “You guys have a lot of life to go and it’s pretty fun. You can pretty much do whatever you want with it,” he added 

Mr. McGee said students had responded positively to the program. 

“I’m finding that the kids are really attentive. It’s a tough situation, but I think the message is really hitting home,” Mr. McGee said. “And that’s what we want to do is to raise awareness.”