UKC Blue Devil’s Commitments Beyond the Court
Tuesday, 03 May 2011 15:05
May 2, 2011 - At 6’7”, student-athlete Ryan Hreljac looks like your average varsity basketball player.
He’s a forward for the University of King’s College Blue Devils in Halifax, N.S, competing in Atlantic Canada’s ACAA conference. But what sets this student-athlete apart is his character both on and off the court.
“Ryan is an unbelievably hard worker,” says Tim Flynn, assistant coach for the University of King’s College Blue Devils men’s basketball team. “The attitude he brings to the team is tremendous.”
It is the same attitude he applies to his school work and community service commitments. Hreljac is a clean water activist who founded The Ryan’s Well Foundation, a charity developing clean water projects in disadvantaged countries around the world. Ryan’s Well (www.ryanswell.ca) has built 667 water projects and 715 latrines, bringing safe water and improved sanitation to over 700,000 people. Those numbers are even more impressive when you consider Hreljac started the project when he was just six years old.
“I hope my story is a reminder that we can all make a difference,” says Hreljac. “This works regardless of whether you are short or tall, old or young. When you find something you are passionate about, you need to take steps to act. Although they may be very small steps, your impact will grow year after year.”
Flynn is already convinced. “Ryan’s success off the court comes as no surprise to those who work with him on the floor.”
“He’s an unbelievable young man,” says Neil Hooper, University of King’s College athletic director. “And we’re happy to have him.”
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