For The Good Of The Game

Have you ever thought about what Youth Sports might be like if kids ran the show?   I know, you probably have visions of “mass chaos” jump into your mind!   However, take a second to consider several “non-sport” issues, where kids set the example for adults… How often have you seen video on your news feed of children helping other children, without regard to age, race or gender? How many times have your own children or grandchildren “amazed” you with an astute answer or comment in response to an adult question? Ever heard of Jack Andraka, who developed a new, low-cost test for pancreatic cancer at the age of 15? SeeTEDx Talk (July 2013) Savanna Karmue, who wants to be a cardiologist, started making informational YouTube videos at age 8 & started a non-profit (Happy Heart Advice) by age 11! Many adults will likely ask… “Why would you put the kids in charge?   What possible good could they do, with limited experience and resources, not to mention limited maturity?”

Just what is a “ hero ?”   Have you ever had a hero or do you have one now?   Consider the fact you may have adopted a hero and not really been conscious of the decision.   Heroes don’t have to come with tights, capes, x-ray vision or super-powers.   They don’t have to be a giant (in stature) or look like Mr. Universe.   Some heroes may not even know they’re fulfilling the role.             Before we go any further, let’s define what we’re talking about.   Wikipedia offers the following definition: A Hero (Greek), in Greek mythology and folklore, was originally a demi-god, the offspring of a mortal and a deity. [1] Later, hero (male) and heroine (female) came to refer to characters that, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage and the will for self-sacrifice, that is, heroism , for some greater good, originally of martial courage or excellence, but extended to more general moral excellence.             For obvious reasons, I’m going