New Montreal Snow Park Honors Memorial to Dillon Ojo – Montreal | The Canadian News

Montreal snowboarders and skiers now have access to an impressive new snow park right in the middle of the city, all thanks to a young pro snowboarder who died far too soon.

“It’s really amazing, and it’s pretty unheard of,” says Giovanni Vacca, a snowboarder who works for Vans.

It is called the Dillon Ojo Snowpark, and it is located in the Olympic Park near Stade Saputo and the Olympic Stadium Tower. It is a unique training ground for skiers and snowboarders, with the name of a unique individual.

“He was a wonderful young man, full of joy, full of hope and dreams, and was always happy,” said Elaine Charles, mother of the late Dillon Ojo.

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Growing up on the south coast, Ojo began snowboarding at the age of 13 and quickly made a name for himself. He was best known for “street snowboarding,” using railings and stairs in the city to perform daring tricks.

He was sponsored by Vans and snowboarded around the world.

“He made his living. He was very surprised that he could do it, enjoy what he did and also make a living. It was a dream, “said Charles.

Vacca was a good friend of Ojo’s and they regularly snowboarded with a group of friends at Mont-St-Bruno.

“He was not only a sponsored professional snowboarder, but an important person in our community and group of friends. “He made opportunities, he did art, he was the kind of guy who did it all,” Vacca told Global News.

At just 22 years old, the rising star died in a tragic accident and in 2018 fell three floors off a ladder.

“It was definitely very emotional for everyone,” said Alex Auchu, Vans Canada’s head of marketing, who also knew Ojo.

Only weeks after his departure, Ojo’s family decided to honor him by using his kind and generous spirit.

“It was only natural to continue with the idea of ​​giving, and that is what he liked to do. “He loved being with friends and giving and making everyone smile and be happy, so we just continue in his name,” said Charles.

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The Dillon Ojo Foundation was born with the goal of making sport more accessible to underprivileged youth.

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“Our goal is to keep kids in sports,” Charles explained. “Children who may be less privileged or do not always have the means do not have a way to ski hills. They do not have equipment. It’s not only in snowboarding, but we have expanded to all different sports wherever we see the need. ”

The foundation teamed up with Vans and the Olympic Park, and the Dillon Ojo Park quickly materialized.

“He will be completely amazed at this,” Vacca said.

“I think it will be a dream come true for Dylan. “I do not think he would ever have thought that he would be associated with this,” said Charles.

It is accessible by bus, or at the Viau or Pie-IX metro stations. It’s completely free to use all winter.

“Having it in the middle of the city, I think that’s what makes us super, super proud and happy about this project,” Auchu said.

All those involved like to carry on Ojo’s legacy by passing on the sport he loved to others.

© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.



Reference-globalnews.ca

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