REPULSE BAY - A group of 50 youth were inspired by the guest speaker who attended the Arctic Circle Youth Leadership and Motivation Conference at Tusarvik School in Repulse Bay earlier this month.

Obby Khan of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers poses for a photo with Suzanne Alaralak during the Arctic Circle Youth Leadership and Motivation Conference at Tusarvik School in Repulse Bay earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Jennifer Perry

Winnipeg Blue Bomber Obby Khan was the featured speaker during the event, which involved the youth in sports leadership, public speaking, drum dancing, throatsinging and motivational workshops.

The conference came to a close with a community talent show.

Event co-organizer Jennifer Perry said the program was open to all youth in the community aged 12 to 25.

She said she was disappointed over the fact the conference didn't attract any youth in the community who are no longer attending school.

"I was hoping this conference might help get some youth back in school," said Perry.

"We had some who already graduated attend, but everyone else who took part are students at Tusarvik."

Khan is good friends with Tusarvik teachers Jake and Marin Roberts, who attended university with him.

Perry said Jake played football with Khan at one point, and that connection led to Khan coming to Repulse.

"When we decided to go ahead with the conference, we were looking for a motivational speaker and they charge a lot of money.

"We had $3,000, raised by the school and student council, and Obby was nice enough to come with us just paying for his trip to Repulse from Winnipeg.

"The kids just loved him, even though football isn't a big thing in Repulse.

"We don't get many celebrities here and Obby autographed everyone's things and had his picture taken with all the little kids."

Perry said Khan's message to the kids was on overcoming obstacles to achieve their goals.

She said Nunavut youth have a lot of obstacles and temptations to overcome, such as drugs, alcohol, teen pregnancy, lowincome families and more.

"We wanted to show the kids you have to persevere and be motivated to get past these obstacles and achieve your goals.

"Obby has dealt with a lot of medical issues, having been diagnosed with colitis and having his large intestine removed.

"He was about 330 pounds two years ago and, after losing his large intestine, he dropped to 190 pounds.

"Everyone told him he would never play football again, but he was determined to return and now he's back with the Bombers."

Khan also spent a good deal of time talking with the youth about his culture.

His family moved to Canada from Pakistan in 1980.

Perry said Khan told the kids he's Muslim and keeps to his traditions.

"He wears the beard, and he can't eat meat unless it's been blessed and butchered by one of his priests.

"He doesn't drink or smoke, and he told the kids that was difficult because many football players like to party.

"He really impressed upon them that just because your culture may be different, that doesn't mean you can't do what you want in life.

"The kids loved his talk, listened to every word, and asked lots of questions."