Jacques Demers Literacy Tour

Hockey coach shares his struggle with literacy

As part of a campaign to strengthen community literacy, 2010 Legacies Now, in partnership with the Province of BC, brought Stanley Cup winning coach Jacques Demers to three BC communities in 2007. Mr. Demers shared his inspiring personal story of his struggle with low literacy.

Demers aims to inspire others to learn to read

A distinguished figure in the National Hockey League, Jacques Demers achieved a successful career as an influential coach, general manager and TV commentator – all despite being unable to read.In his 2005 biography by sports writer Mario Leclerc, Demers revealed that while he could write his name and a few other words, he was unable to read most sentences. As he built his career in the NHL, he managed to keep his low literacy a secret from just about everyone. As a popular sport figure, Demers’ admission is an important step in bringing the issue of low literacy to the forefront.

Jacques Demers shared his inspiring story in these communities:

Vancouver
September 27, 2007
St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church
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Prince George
September 29, 2007
Kin Arenas Atrium

Nanaimo
September 30, 2007
Coast Bastion Inn
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2010 Legacies Now has programs that focus on community literacy, early literacy development, and more. Learn about our programs.

Jacques Demers' tour of BC is a partnership of 2010 Legacies Now and the Province of BC.