March 16th, 2016 | Uncategorized
This weekend was an experience I will cherish forever as I was blessed enough to play for the BNI select team and represent Northern Ireland in basketball. The group that traveled over was such a talented and welcoming group, with guys from all different backgrounds and it was truly something special to see how we all clicked on the court.
I can’t describe how grateful I am to be able to represent the country of Northern Ireland through the sport of basketball. I was getting a little anxious as we walked in the gym as I often do before games,but then I thought to myself, I have come too far to let the fear of losing get in the way of me playing MY game. Through all the injuries and disappointing losses I was still playing! It’s nuts to think about. I can remember writing blogs a couple weeks ago with doctors telling me I probably wouldn’t be able to play in the month of March. Not only was I blessed enough to play but I got to go with a great group of guys who taught me about the game and we were able to bring home a Gold medal to Northern Ireland!
This just goes to show that with enough faith anything is possible. You may doubt at times as we all do but it’s important to never lose faith in God’s plan. Life is a Journey of peaks and Valleys and with some bad news from family members at home, my shoulder injury and my lovely girlfriend Kelly’s recent ankle injury playing basketball for the Elk’s women’s team life at times has felt like a valley. However after this weekend and seeing Kelly’s optimism I get this weird feeling we are on our way up to experiencing a peak. I want to give a huge thanks to Sport Changes Life for giving me the opportunity to play for Northern Ireland as well all my teammates this weekend for making me feel so welcome. I also want to specially thank Coaches Pat O’Neill and Niall McDermott for selecting me and looking after the team all weekend.
If you find yourself going through a valley this week just remember that it could change at any moment and God may show you a peak. Thank you for reading.
Victory Scholar: James Zuccaro
Present University: Ulster University
US League: Skyline Conference
Club/Community Partner: Ulster Elks
Alma Mater: College of Mount Saint Vincent
Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland
