For the next 6 weeks, I will be coaching at Our Lady of Mercy Primary School with kids ranging from 3rd class to 6th class (ages 8-13). Today was my first day and I was totally blown away by the unforgettable experience!
As I walked through the glass doors of the school, I was told to sign my name in the guest book and make my way down to the “Sports Hall”. Everyone that I walked by greeted me so cheerfully with a “Hey, how are ye?!” and just had the biggest smiles on their faces. I walked into the “Sports Hall” and it brought back memories of when I was just a wee lad in Kindergarten and had P.E. class. There were two portable hoops with the rolling bottoms and the basketballs were bright and bouncy. I walked over to put my bag down and take my jacket off when a mass of excitement emerged from the back door. The first class was jogging in and full of excitement! I introduced myself and all the kids were so amazed that I was from “The States”. They hung on to my every word and were so eager to learn about basketball. In ending each, I made sure to round up all the kiddies and chant “Mercy!” on 3. I loved every second of all the thirty-minute sessions; I coach 7 sessions on Wednesdays and 4 on Fridays. It’s such an honor to be working with so many different kids and witnessing the impact I’m making on their lives. There are kids in the classes with autism, hearing impairments, and other special needs and they have been the most rewarding to work with. Knowing that I put a smile on all these children’s faces is the greatest feeling and serves as a reminder of why I became part of this program in the first place; to give back. A big Thank You to Sport Changes Life for affording me this incredible opportunity. I become a better me every single day. Mercy on 3!!!
