Mario Lemieux

(http://www.worldofdemosthenes.com/sportspage/lemieux/mario-cup5.jpg)

I picked Mario Lemieux for my web page because to me he has a lot of the traits that make someone a hero. Mario Lemieux was born Oct. 5, 1965 in Montreal and grew up to become one of the greatest players to ever play the game of hockey. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins first overall in 1984. He went on to have great success in the NHL. He won the Calder Trophy, six Art Ross trophies, two Conn Smythes and two Stanley Cups. Even with all his success in the NHL it did not all come easy for him. He had to battle injuries, back problems and cancer. But with strong will and hard work he was able to overcome those problems.

One hero trait that Mario Lemieux has is that he is a role model. He leads his teammates by the way he goes out every game, works hard and helps his team win games any way he can. Another example is that he is a great role model for kids. Not just because of all his achievements on the ice, but the way he conducts himself off the ice. He is an inspiration to people with cancer or any other sickness like that. He proved that with determination and strong will you can beat cancer and get back to the way you were before. In 1992-93 he missed a full month because he was getting treated for cancer. He came back midway through the season to win the scoring title. That is why I consider him to be a role model.

Another hero trait that Mario Lemieux has is determination. He shows determination by practicing and trying to become the best at what he does. When he played in QJMHL he set a single season point record with 282 points. Another example is the way he wouldn't give up when he had an injury or he learned he had cancer. It would have been easy for him just to give up but he was determined to keep on playing. Those are a few of the ways he shows determination.

(http://www.hemophilia.ca/en/images/mario-lemieux.jpg)

Finally, the last trait of a hero he has is that he is caring. He showed that he cared about the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1999 when he became the owner, possibly saving them from bankruptcy. Also, he shows that he cares for people. He has his own charity called the Mario Lemieux Foundation that helps research cancer and does other health-related research. Every year he has a celebrity golf tournament to help research. Those are some of the ways he shows he cares.

Mario Lemieux is a hero to me because of the way he has some of the most important traits I think you need to be a hero. To me he is a role model, determined and caring and that's what makes him a hero to me.