Lessons from the Fair: The Value of Sportiness

Dear friends, today I want to share a story from my youth, a tale that taught me the importance of sportiness, not just in terms of physical fitness, but also in terms of character development. It’s a story about a day at the fair, a day that changed my perspective forever.

The Fair Day

It was a sunny day, the kind that makes you feel like anything is possible. I was 12 years old, and my father had taken me to the local fair. The air was filled with the smell of popcorn and cotton candy, and the sound of laughter and joyous screams from the rides.

The Challenge

Among the various attractions, there was a strength-testing game. You know the one, where you have to hit a lever with a mallet and send a puck soaring up to ring a bell? That was the challenge my father set for me. I was a skinny lad, not particularly athletic, and the mallet was almost as big as I was. But my father, with a twinkle in his eye, said, “Son, it’s not just about strength, it’s about technique.”

The Lesson

After several failed attempts, and with a crowd gathering, I felt disheartened. But then, my father shared a piece of wisdom that I carry with me to this day. He said, “Sportiness isn’t just about physical prowess, it’s about resilience, determination, and the willingness to learn and adapt.”

With renewed determination, I adjusted my grip, changed my swing, and gave it another go. The puck soared, and the bell rang out. The crowd cheered, but the biggest smile was on my father’s face.

Conclusion

That day at the fair, I learned that sportiness is more than just physical ability. It’s about the spirit, the will to keep trying, to learn, and to adapt. It’s a lesson I’ve applied in all areas of my life, and it’s served me well.

So, my friends, remember to embrace the spirit of sportiness in your life. It’s not about being the strongest or the fastest, it’s about being the best you can be, and never giving up.

Until next time,

Kev