Motivational Monday…Sportsmanship
One of the many reasons I love sports is the life lessons they teach. That's also why I'm a strong believer that children benefit from spending at least some time participating in organized sports.
Last week, I listened to Folarin Bolagun discuss his being given the Red Card in the US game against Bosnia-Herzegovina. It meant that our best player would be unavailable in our game tonight against Belgium. *As it turns out, the ban was overturned Sunday afternoon.
I can’t pretend to understand soccer rules or why the ban was lifted. However, what struck me was what he said and did after receiving the red card.
After the game, he walked up to the referee and shook his hand. It is a courtesy he affords every official after a game…win or lose.
He also said:
“There’s still lots of people we’re inspiring, little kids, boys and girls who are watching, and we have to show them the correct way to handle things, even when you think it’s unjust,”
He showed composure…he demonstrated the importance of putting the team first… and he showed an awareness of the impact his actions had on others.
We may not be soccer players or professional athletes, but we all face losses from time to time.
How do we handle our losses? Do you take the high road when things don’t go your way?
Always take the high road. There is a lot less traffic up there.
Dr. Phil
One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than a hundred teaching it.
Knute Rockne
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