Colby O’Donnell is not likely to ever forget just how much passion René Ayangma had for life.
Almost four years have passed since O’Donnell, 26, of Stratford lost his close friend and soccer teammate.
Ayangma — a 20-year-old UPEI biology student — died suddenly on Feb. 19, 2008 while training for a mixed martial arts match.
His death rocked the university campus. He was an athletic and outgoing student known and liked by many. And he was not one for keeping still.
He was taking second-year and third-year courses at UPEI at the time, playing soccer and competing in mixed martial arts, working as a waiter and a doorman at a local restaurant, keeping an eye on his three younger siblings, and still finding time to socialize with a wide network of friends.
O’Donnell knew Ayangma well. The pair played on the Panthers soccer team in 2007 and 2008 and frequently hung out.
“He was a real close friend,’’ he said. “We were pretty tight.’’
O’Donnell describes his buddy as a young man who really embraced life. He would at one moment motivate teammates to hit the gym and in the next instance be giving them and others cause to smile.
“If you were down it would take him a few seconds to push you in a good mood,’’ he said.
O’Donnell is doing his part to keep Ayangma’s spirit alive at UPEI.
He is helping with an entertaining sports-themed fundraiser in late March to raise money for the René Ayangma Passion for Life Award that is given each year to a UPEI athlete who demonstrates a positive attitude and a love of life and sport. Some of the funds from the event will also be donated to the Children’s Wish Foundation, P.E.I. chapter.
O’Donnell says the fundraiser will see players from UPEI’s men’s basketball, soccer and hockey teams compete in an indoor soccer match followed by a hockey game. Because of limited facilities, a basketball game could not be arranged as well.
Organizers, he explains, wanted to offer athletes from different sports the opportunity to interact on a one-to-one level.
“We thought the best way to achieve this was, of course, through sports,’’ said O’Donnell.
“We also wanted to open ourselves up to the community and welcome them to this event — show them that we care and are thankful for their support.’’
The men’s hockey team will join up with half of the men’s basketball team to compete against the men’s soccer team that will also have half the men’s basketball team.
The games will take place March 31 on campus at the Chi Wan Young Sports Centre beginning with a 45-minute soccer game starting at 6 p.m. The second game will move to the ice at 7:30 p.m. where some athletes will lace up for the first time ever.
“Make no mistake, this will be competitive,’’ promises O’Donnell. “The winner will be taking home the first annual Championship Trophy for the Battle of the Jocks.’’
Tickets are $5 and players will begin to sell them in February. People can also contact O’Donnell by email at Colby_o@hotmail if they are looking to purchase tickets.
O’Donnell anticipates a good turnout.
“The first goal that came to mind is (raising) about $5,000,’’ he said.
“I’m looking to fill the rink and the indoor facility (basketball court) for the soccer game as well.’’
So sick Colby.