Despite being an avid sports fan, I am usually not one to watch the “sappy” stories that became en vogue as part of the Olympics. Usually they are over produced, over glorified, and seem to be done to make the reporter look better than they really are. I’m not saying the stories aren’t stirring, but they are often times not for me.
However, there is a story which was recently shown on ESPN’s Outside the Lines, which I felt moved to share. The story is about 2 wrestlers who recently graduated from a Cleveland high school, each of whom has unique challenges. They share a bond which, I doubt any of us would understand, without spending a day in their shoes. And despite their challenges, they state point blank they don’t ask, nor do they want our pity or entitlement.
Their maturity and willingness to persevere should serve as inspiration to us all. I encourage you to take 15 minutes of your day, watch this, and share your thoughts. I hope you are moved as much as I was.
Wow! I have to confess I always watch these, and I always get to that misty eyed moment. This is what people who don’t get sports don’t understand. It’s not about dribbling a ball, throwing a pass, even pinning an opponent. It’s about the bonds we make, the relationships we build.
Great post Gregor! Thanks for sharing this. I missed it on ESPN.
| August 5th, 2009 @ 9:53 pm
I couldn’t agree with you more about what sports is about. I think it’s sad that in a lot of ways we have gotten away from that.
| August 5th, 2009 @ 10:26 pm