September 1st, 2015 | Uncategorized
I’d be lying if I said my first week in Belfast hasn’t left my head spinning! It has been barrage of new faces and places that one blog couldn’t begin to cover. But with one amazing week behind me, I’m excited for the weeks ahead and the rest of my time here in Belfast. I’ve gotten a small taste of each of my roles that I’ll be playing here as a Victory Scholar over the course of my first week. Looking back on my first week here, one moment in particular reminded me why I’m here in the first place.
The energy was palpable walking into a small gym in West Belfast for Tiger’s basketball practice. It has been a long time since I witnessed and felt the atmosphere that comes from a bunch of gym rats’ unadulterated happiness of simply playing basketball on a Saturday morning. 3 v 3, 4 v 4, even a 3 v 4 game with some of the young ones, it didn’t matter to anyone as long as they were competing. I even saw it in a 4 year old’s eyes from just the simple act of dribbling from one side of the court to the other and heaving the ball at the 8 foot hoop. That feeling and energy, which just so happens to manifest itself so clearly in the youngest of players, is the fuel that drives Sport Changes Life. Experiencing it in that gym in West Belfast in its purest form was a treat that left me captivated as I watched from the sideline. It’s something I wish I could bottle up to serve as a reminder to foster it in gyms that I’ll be coaching in, regardless of age or talent level.
Unfortunately, it’s also something that is sadly lost on athletes as they rise through the ranking in their sport. Somewhere along the line, our endeavors which began from a place of passion become mundane. But in my experience, an athlete in touch with why he or she plays sports in the first place is a much better athlete for it. I knew I’d be coaching and teaching kids my sport while I was here, but little did I know of how much I will learn from them!
Victory Scholar: Clare Sullivan
Present University: Ulster University
US League Partner: Patriot League
Club/Community Partner: Ulster Elks
Alma Mater: The College of the Holy Cross
Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland
