Sportsnet documentary features UNB student Cedrick Tahmo and NBA star Pascal Siakam
Author: UNB News
Posted on Jan 18, 2024
Category: UNB Saint John
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Pascal Siakam, the all-star forward who was just traded from the Toronto Raptors to the Indiana Pacers, grew up in Cameroon with a father who valued education above all else. To honour his father’s legacy, Siakam’s PS43 Foundation created a scholarship program at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) for students from his home country.
The scholarship is a game-changer for Cedrick Tahmo, a second-year computer science student who started at UNB after doing three years at the University of Bamenda in Cameroon.
Sportsnet took an interest in their story and sent a TV crew to the Saint John campus last fall to interview Tahmo. Then he flew to Toronto in December to attend a Raptors game and meet Siakam in person. The result is an inspiring and heartwarming story that showcases Siakam’s commitment to people from his home country and Tahmo’s determination to make the most of his opportunities here.
The pair met on the floor of the Scotiabank Arena before a game against the Charlotte Hornets.
“My dad always big on education, said Siakam. “He always believed that every kid deserves an education. There’s a lot of things you can do in life. They might go away, but your education is one thing that sticks. I just always felt like that would be my mission, to continue that legacy and make sure I give kids an opportunity to dream bigger.”
“He’s a big part of my life now,” said Tahmo. “His contribution stood out to me. It means a lot to me. He has helped me out in a way I didn’t imagine anyone would. Thank you, Pascal.”