Concordia Stinger defensive end Malick Sylvain was named the recipient of the RSEQ football conference Leadership and Community Engagement Award this morning in Montreal.
Sylvain goes forward as the Quebec nominee for the U SPORTS Russ Jackson Award presented annually to the football player who best combines academic achievement, football skill and citizenship. It is named in honour of CFL Hall of Famer and former Ottawa Rough Riders and McMaster University quarterback Russ Jackson.
The fourth-year student-athlete has been with the Stingers since 2018. A tremendous athlete, he has been the team’s utility player. He was a receiver out of Cégep Édouard-Montpetit and started out on offence when he arrived at Concordia. He has also suited up at defensive back and in 2021 he was a defensive end. He dressed for all the games and has provided leadership on the young unit.
His athleticism and his willingness to sacrifice for the good of the team have earned him a lot of respect.
For two years, Sylvain has volunteered at the Jamaica Association of Montreal with members of his team. The organization is dedicated to improving and enhancing the quality of life for the Jamaican community. The Stingers help with the association’s food bank, unloading trucks and stocking shelves.
Sylvain also supports the Shoebox Project for Women, an organization that collects and distributes gift-filled shoeboxes to local women impacted by homelessness. Each Shoebox is filled with items valued at approximately $50 that can enhance confidence and reduce feelings of isolation.
Inspired to give more, Sylvain works with a friend to design and sell T-shirts and hoodies “in the context of the Black Lives Matter movement” and donates proceeds from the project to the Jamaica Association of Montreal and the Shoebox Project.
His involvement in these initiatives has him thinking about a post-university career working with non-profit organizations. He is interested in helping under-resourced organizations raise awareness and funds.
“When the pandemic hit and with all the things going on in our society today, Malick stepped up,” said Concordia head coach Brad Collinson. “He put up his hand and he wants to give back and make a difference. That’s the type of person Malick is.”
He becomes the third Stinger to be recognized for his leadership and community involvement. The previous recipients were defensive back Dave Aiken in 2002 and receiver Nick Scissons in 2006.
