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Posts Tagged ‘sportsmanship’

The Special Olympics: A Sporting Superhero Adventure!

Posted in Hero, Qualities of a Hero, Who is your Hero, tagged , , , on May 25, 2023| Leave a Comment »

The Special Olympics! It’s like a superhero league for athletes with special abilities. These athletes are superheroes on the field, and their courage and determination inspire us all.

The Special Olympics is an organization that gives people with intellectual disabilities a chance to shine in sports. They can participate in events like running, swimming, basketball, and more. It’s a special place where everyone can be a winner, no matter their abilities.

One of the coolest things about the Special Olympics is that it’s not just about winning medals. Sure, medals are great, but what matters most is having fun and doing your best. Every athlete gets a chance to show their skills and be cheered on by the crowd. It’s all about celebrating the joy of sports!

The Special Olympics also teaches important values, just like superheroes do. They believe in friendship, respect, and inclusion. Athletes from all over the world come together to compete, make new friends, and learn from each other. It’s like forming a team of superheroes with different powers but one goal—to support and encourage each other.

Now, let’s meet some of the incredible athletes who take part in the Special Olympics. There’s Emily, a fantastic swimmer who can glide through the water like a fish. And there’s Jake, who runs faster than the wind and leaves everyone in awe. These athletes work hard and train to become the best they can be.

What’s even more amazing is that the Special Olympics is not just for big kids. Imagine joining a team and discovering your own super sports powers. You might be a soccer star, a gymnastics champ, or a basketball wizard. The Special Olympics believes that everyone can be a hero in their own way.

When the Special Olympics events happen, it’s like watching a real-life superhero movie. Families, friends, and fans come together to cheer for these incredible athletes. It’s a day filled with excitement, laughter, and endless support. You can be a part of it too—cheering, clapping, and giving high-fives to these amazing heroes.

The Special Olympics is not just about sports. It’s about breaking down barriers, spreading love and acceptance, and showing the world that everyone has something incredible to offer. We can all learn from these athletes’ determination, courage, and never-give-up attitude.

So, whether you’re a participant, a supporter, or a volunteer, the Special Olympics is a place where everyone is welcome. It’s a place where dreams become reality, where heroes are born, and where the power of unity shines bright.

In the Special Olympics, everyone is a superhero, and the joy they bring is simply extraordinary. So, let’s celebrate these amazing athletes and their incredible achievements. Together, we can create a world where everyone’s unique abilities are celebrated, just like the superheroes they are!

Keep being your own special kind of hero and always remember to spread kindness and inclusivity wherever you go!

https://www.specialolympics.org/

Do you know a hero? We would love to hear about them: share their story with us!

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Ride a Wave: Giving Children with Disabilities the Gift of Surfing

Posted in Hero, Kindness, Qualities of a Hero, Who is your Hero, tagged , , , , , , , , on May 16, 2023| Leave a Comment »

At Hero Life, we are proud of organizations like Ride a Wave’s mission of empowering children with disabilities to experience the joy of riding a wave and enjoy a fun-filled day at the beach. Ride a Wave has been providing free beach camps to children with disabilities since 1998, giving them the opportunity to participate in activities such as boogie boarding, kayaking, and tandem surfing.

RAW’s commitment to inclusivity is inspiring. The organization welcomes children who are physically, developmentally, or economically challenged, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate. RAW’s volunteers are specially trained to ensure that the children’s safety is always the top priority, with every participant covered in sunscreen and provided with wetsuits, life vests, and safety helmets.

The impact of Ride a Wave on children’s lives is immeasurable. For many children with disabilities, the chance to experience the thrill of riding a wave is an unforgettable moment that boosts their self-confidence. RAW’s beach camps are also an opportunity for children to make new friends, build relationships, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

At Hero Life, we believe in organizations like Ride a Wave that make a positive impact on people’s lives. RAW’s commitment to inclusivity, safety, and fun aligns with our core values, and we are proud to be associated with this amazing organization. Together, we can help empower children with disabilities to ride the waves of life and achieve their full potential.

https://www.rideawave.org/about-raw

Do you know a hero? We would love to hear about them: share their story with us!

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The Power of Community: How Social Support Can Change Your Life

Posted in Hero, Qualities of a Hero, Who is your Hero, tagged , , , , , , , on May 11, 2023| Leave a Comment »

notes on board
Photo by Polina Zimmerman on Pexels.com

Life is full of challenges, and sometimes we feel overwhelmed and alone in the face of adversity. Whether we are dealing with a personal crisis or something else, it is easy to feel isolated and disconnected from others. However, research has shown that social support and a sense of community can play a powerful role in promoting our well-being and helping us navigate difficult times.

At Hero Life, we believe that building and nurturing supportive networks is essential for our physical, emotional, and mental health. Here are some ideas for how to cultivate a sense of community and social support:

  1. Join a local club or organization. Whether it’s a sports team, a book club, or a volunteer group, joining a community of like-minded people can provide a sense of belonging and connection.
  2. Volunteer your time and skills. Giving back to your community can be a powerful way to build connections and contribute to something greater than yourself. Find a cause or organization that aligns with your values and interests, and get involved.
  3. Reach out to friends and family. Sometimes the simplest way to feel connected is to reach out to the people who know and care about us. Pick up the phone, send a text, or schedule a virtual hangout.
  4. Participate in online communities. In today’s digital age, there are countless online groups and forums where you can connect with people who share your interests or experiences. Whether it’s a Facebook group or a subreddit, online communities can provide a sense of belonging and support.
  5. Seek professional help when needed. Sometimes we need more than just social support to navigate difficult times. If you are struggling with your mental health or experiencing a crisis, don’t hesitate to seek out professional help from a therapist, counselor, or other mental health provider.

So let’s come together, support each other, and create a world where we can all thrive.

Do you know a hero? We would love to hear about them: share their story with us!

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Brave Like Gabe

Posted in Hero, Qualities of a Hero, Who is your Hero, tagged , , , , , on May 8, 2023| Leave a Comment »

“I hope people see that you can still make something beautiful and powerful out of a bad situation.”

— Gabriele Grunewald

Gabriele “Gabe” Grunewald was a remarkable professional middle-distance runner and rare cancer advocate from Minnesota. Despite facing multiple cancer diagnoses, she remained determined to continue running professionally and achieved impressive athletic feats, including a US Championship title and an NCAA All-American status. However, after a decade-long battle with cancer, Gabe passed away in 2019, leaving behind a powerful legacy that continues to inspire and impact many.

The Brave Like Gabe Foundation was established by Gabe to share her story, inspire others to connect and do the same, and make a difference in the cancer community. The foundation’s mission is to support rare cancer research and empower all cancer survivors through physical activity. Gabe’s belief in the power of running and physical activity as a form of medicine during all phases of her cancer journey has influenced the foundation’s approach towards supporting cancer survivors.

The foundation values hope, joy, kindness, bravery, equity, community, and integrity. They cultivate hope by sharing it with others and see it multiply in everyone it touches. They approach each day with optimism and gratitude for one another and the community, fostering authentic connections by showing up for one another in the hardest times. They also prioritize compassion, humility, and empathy in their relationships with others.

Additionally, the foundation embraces challenge as an opportunity for growth, taking bold action in the face of uncertainty with courage, tenacity, and heart. They encourage others to keep running on hope when life gets tough, empowering the community to do the same.

Lastly, the foundation advocates for and invests in research on historically under-funded cancers that prioritize the inclusion of those who are disproportionately impacted by cancer. They aim to make a difference in the cancer community by encouraging others to share their stories and connect with one another while also advocating for dedicated research funding for rare cancers.

Gabe’s legacy and the Brave Like Gabe Foundation continue to inspire and impact many people. Their dedication to supporting rare cancer research and empowering cancer survivors through physical activity is commendable. They encourage hope, joy, kindness, bravery, equity, community, and integrity in all that they do, making a difference in the cancer community while inspiring others to share their struggles and achieve their dreams.

https://www.bravelikegabe.org/mission

Do you know a hero? We would love to hear about them: share their story with us!

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Granting Wishes, Inspiring Hope: Celebrating World Wish Day

Posted in Hero, Qualities of a Hero, Who is your Hero, tagged , , , on April 26, 2023| Leave a Comment »

World Wish Day is celebrated annually on April 29th and is a day to recognize the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the amazing work they do to fulfill the wishes of children with critical illnesses. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of World Wish Day and the impact that the Make-A-Wish Foundation has on the lives of children and their families.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded in 1980 by a group of friends in Arizona who wanted to help a young boy with leukemia fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer. Since then, the organization has grown into a worldwide network that has granted more than 500,000 wishes to children with critical illnesses.

World Wish Day was created to honor the anniversary of the first wish granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. On April 29, 1980, 7-year-old Chris Greicius, who had leukemia, was granted his wish to be a police officer for a day. He was sworn in as the first honorary patrolman of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and his wish inspired the creation of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Today, the Make-A-Wish Foundation operates in nearly 50 countries and grants a wish every 34 minutes on average. Wishes can range from meeting a celebrity or going on a dream vacation to receiving a special gift or having a backyard playset installed.

The impact that the Make-A-Wish Foundation has on the lives of children and their families cannot be overstated. For children with critical illnesses, a wish come true can provide hope, strength, and joy during a difficult time. It can also bring families together and create lasting memories.

As we celebrate World Wish Day, let us remember the incredible work that the Make-A-Wish Foundation does and the joy and hope that they bring to children with critical illnesses and their families. If you would like to get involved or support their mission, visit their website to learn more about volunteering, donating, or referring a child for a wish. https://wish.org/

Dude Perfect supporting Make A Wish- great stuff!

Do you know a hero? We would love to hear about them: share their story with us!

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Ravens’ Mark Andrews inspires others with diabetes

Posted in Hero, Kindness, Qualities of a Hero, Who is your Hero, tagged , , , on April 18, 2023| Leave a Comment »


Mark Andrews, a tight end for the Baltimore Ravens, has become an inspiration to many in the diabetes community. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at a young age, Andrews has never let his condition hold him back from achieving his dreams. Instead, he has used his platform as a professional football player to motivate others and show that anything is possible.

Andrews’ success on the field speaks for itself. He has the most receiving touchdowns of any tight end since 2019, and he has been named to the Pro Bowl twice. But it’s his off-the-field impact that truly sets him apart.

Through his advocacy work, Andrews has become a role model for young people with diabetes. He regularly mentors children and teens, sharing his own experiences and offering advice on how to stay healthy and active. He has also written about his journey in publications like USA Today, using his platform to raise awareness and educate others about Type 1 diabetes.

For Andrews, it’s not just about being a successful athlete with diabetes. It’s about breaking down barriers and showing others that anything is possible, no matter what obstacles they may face.

“There’s a lot of people breaking that mold and showing people that we can do anything and we can be just like anybody else,” Andrews said in a recent interview. “We just have to do more than the average person. That’s one of the things that drives me is going out there and showing people that hey, I’m a Type 1 diabetic, but I’m going to go out and compete with the rest of them.”

Andrews’ message of perseverance and determination is one that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you have diabetes or not, his story serves as a reminder that we all have the power to overcome adversity and achieve our goals.

As we navigate the challenges of daily life, it can be easy to feel discouraged or overwhelmed. But with the right mindset and a willingness to work hard, we can all accomplish great things. Mark Andrews is living proof of that, and his example is one that we can all strive to follow.

https://www.espn.com/blog/baltimore-ravens/post/_/id/55472/he-changed-my-sons-life-how-living-with-type-1-diabetes-motivates-the-ravens-mark-andrews-to-inspire-others

Do you know a hero? We would love to hear about them: share their story with us!

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Sportsmanship and Inclusion

Posted in Kindness, Qualities of a Hero, tagged , , , , , on March 21, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Lucas Lacina, a high school wrestler with cerebral palsy, pinned his opponent for the win! Both these boys are their families are heroes.

Sportsmanship and inclusion are two important aspects of being a hero in the sports world. A hero who embodies sportsmanship is someone who not only performs at a high level but also treats their opponents, teammates, and officials with respect and fairness. Inclusion is also a key component of being a sports hero as it involves creating a welcoming and accepting environment for athletes of all backgrounds and abilities.

Here are some examples of how a hero can embody sportsmanship and inclusion:

  1. Treating opponents with respect: A sports hero who embodies sportsmanship understands that their opponents are also working hard to achieve their goals. They show respect to their opponents by congratulating them on their successes, acknowledging their efforts, and avoiding trash talk or other disrespectful behavior.
  2. Being a team player: A hero who embodies sportsmanship understands that team success is more important than individual success. They work collaboratively with their teammates, respect their teammates’ opinions, and support them both on and off the field.
  3. Welcoming diversity: A sports hero who embodies inclusion understands that diversity is an asset to any team. They also recognize the unique contributions that each athlete can bring to the team.
  4. Encouraging others: A hero who embodies sportsmanship and inclusion encourages others to reach their full potential. They offer constructive feedback, provide support when their teammates or opponents are struggling, and celebrate others’ successes.

Being a hero in the sports world involves more than just winning games or setting records. It involves embodying sportsmanship and inclusion, treating others with respect and fairness, and creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. These qualities can inspire others to become heroes themselves, both on and off the field.

For your library:

​”When the Game Was Ours” by Larry Bird and Earvin “Magic” Johnson: This memoir explores the rivalry between two of the greatest basketball players of all time, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. It also delves into the themes of sportsmanship, respect, and friendship, despite fierce competition

“The Art of Fielding” by Chad Harbach: This novel tells the story of a college baseball team and the relationships between its players. It explores the themes of sportsmanship, teamwork, and the pressures of competition

Number-one New York Times best-selling author John C. Maxwell believes that any setback, whether professional or personal, can be turned into a step forward when you possess the right tools to turn a loss into a gain. Drawing on nearly fifty years of leadership experience, Dr. Maxwell provides a roadmap for winning by examining the eleven elements that constitute the DNA of learners who succeed in the face of problems, failure, and losses.

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