“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”
This amazing quote has been an all-time favourite of mine for so many reasons. Whenever I remember this quote I think of humility, love, strength, companionship, hardship, passion and so many images over the years where individuals have triumphed only to highlight those who have helped them achieve that triumph. Isaac Newton said it of his colleagues and it was also quoted by 12th century theologian, John of Salisbury.
During this latest bout of wet weather, some coaches chose to stay dry and review some great footage of football moments that the kids could enjoy and relate to. One of my YouTube favourites is a short video highlight selection of Ronaldinho and Messi. Both players were seen holding their Ballon d’Or which is the FIFA trophy for the world’s best player. At this moment, Ronaldinho raised his trophy at a Barcelona match, pointed at the trophy and then pointed in one direction and proceeded to gesture around as if to signify that this was also the trophy of those in the stadium.
I paused the video to ask my squad of 11 year-olds who they thought Ronaldinho was pointing to with his trophy. Their responses blew me away because I was thinking about team players and the emotions of spectators adoring this great player. The boys first response was family; mums, dads and children. I absolutely loved their responses because they know how much work the individual goes through but they don’t forget the hard work that goes on to raise them to the heights they live in every day.
The shoulders of the giants who help great people shine are often forgotten or just not mentioned often enough. Family is not always the giant behind an individual’s success but it is invariably the strongest link we often make to how and why many people choose to strive. Friends and colleagues drive us forward in the hope that collectively success for one is success for all. As a college and as a community, parents, teachers and coaches raise these children everyday to see them be the best they can be.
We all have so many giants in our lives and we all need to take time to say thank you to sometimes.
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