Valley Stream resident is a 'Survivor'

The hit CBS game show ‘Survivor’ will celebrate its 30th anniversary since it first aired in 2000 when the newest season premieres on Feb. 25, and one of Valley Stream’s own will be a contestant.

“I’m taking my talents to Survivor to show the world my athletic skills and will to win at any cost,” Joaquin Souberbielle, 27, of Valley Stream, told CBS in a video biography produced by the network. “I’ve always managed to find a way to survive in every situation life has thrown at me. I’m sure I’ll be just fine.”

Souberbielle attended Central High School for three years before transferring to Lynbrook High School, and studied psychology and sociology at the University of Albany. He works as the marketing director for Five Towns Neurology in Lynbrook. He said one of his greatest role models is Yankee baseball icon Derek Jeter, “For his dedication, finesse and choice in women, of course.”

The show pits 18 contestants against one another in a “last man standing” format while the live on a remote island. This season was taped in 2014, but has yet to air, and the results are still unknown. Before leaving for the show, Souberbielle said he had two goals for his time on Survivor; bring a new flavor to the island and come home victorious.

“I’m not like any prior contestants,” he said. “It’s the first time you’ll see anyone like me. I promise you will enjoy this. I’ll be the sole survivor because I have all the attributes it takes to win this game. I’m smart, social and unbelievably athletic.”

He said his claim to fame is “living a life that has allowed me to overindulge and experience so much of the beauty the world has to offer,” and said if he could bring only two things with him to the island, they would be items that bring the fun.

“Alcohol because everything’s better with alcohol. A speaker with music for entertainment, and that’s all we really need. Add it together and we have a party!”