All posts tagged Inspiration:
Graffiti Courtesy of The Red Rubber Ball Company/UK
Enjoy Your Chase!
INVICTUS
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
- William Ernest Henley
I know the story. The 1995 Rugby World Cup. South Africa’s improbable run to the final match. Mandela’s beleif in sport’s unifying ability. I heard about this remarkable, power of sport moment from Archbishop Desmond Tutu at The Beyond Sport Summit. Archbishop Tutu said that it was a transformational moment for all of South Africa. He exuberantly shared the story of how he witnessed sport’s ability to make a positive difference in his nation!
A BALL Can Change the World!
22 August 2009 in Berlin. (AFP PHOTO / JOHN MACDOUGALL)
Monaco, 13 October 2009 – On the occasion of the 19th Georges Bertellotti Golden Podium Awards in Monaco, “Peace and Sport L’Organisation pour la Paix par le Sport” unveiled the 2009 winner of the Peace and Sport Image of the Year Award in an ‘avant-première’ announcement.
This prize rewards the best image of fraternity through sport. It is awarded in partnership with SPORTEL Monaco and the news agency, Agence France-Presse.
The 2009 winner is a photograph of the granddaughter of the German athlete Luz Long and the granddaughter of American champion Jesse Owens, with IAAF President Lamine Diack during the medal-giving for the long jump at the 2009 Athletics World Championships in Berlin.
The presence of the two young women in Berlin for this major sporting event carries on the courageous and unforgettable friendship that their grandfathers began during the 1936 Olympics.
If you’re in NYC this weekend…
“RAIN OR SHINE!!! Come Out & Play will transform New York City into a playground once again! The annual festival runs this summer during the weekend of June 12-14. The Tank, a wonderful non-profit arts space, plays host and serves as our central headquarters.”
Let the GAMES begin…
Image courtesy of: Kurt Perschke
Kurt Perschke’s RedBall Project has gone north to Ontario, Canada and the city of Toronto as part of the Luminato - Toronto Festival of the Arts + Creativity - the annual ten-day celebration of the arts where Toronto’s stages, streets, and public spaces are infused with theatre, dance, classical and contemporary music, film, literature, visual arts, and design.
Kurt sent an email alerting me that my efforts to spread the word about his amazing public art project is paying “playful” dividends!
——-Original Message——-
From: kurt perschke [mailto:kurt@redballproject.com]
Sent: Friday, June 05, 2009 6:14 PM
To: Kevin Carroll
Subject: Toronto Day 1 - The KC crowd
Hey Kevin,
We just stared day one of RedBall Toronto and it turns out the first site was across the street from the Right To Play headquarters! Their board meeting turned into a RedBall day and they were out in full force, I would definitely say they ‘go it’. We also had a visit from a an intrepid group from Invesco Trimark, who said you had introduced them to the project in the last year, they were all over it - literally- and plan on catching some of the other sites.
Just wanted to give you a heads up and many thanks again for spreading the word.
best - kurt
Got PLAY?!
What’s a “Power of Sport Story?!”
It’s a story that transcends the particular game at hand – be it stick & ball, on ice, on grass, turf, or simply played in an alley or on a street corner with a ball & a makeshift goal. In a power of sport story, “winners” don’t necessarily win the playoff or championship game; sometimes they are on the losing end on the scoreboard. But their game is an “Inner Game,” a higher game, a spiritual game that claims a universal victory.
The power in these stories of sport is like an alarm clock, noisily waking people from a heavy slumber. These moments grab your attention in a loud and profound way like the arena horn marking the end of a half, a referee’s whistle halting play, or a raucous crescendo of cheers from fans reveling in an unbelievable moment.Sport and play are the common denominators and planetary equalizers. No matter where you look in the world regardless of political or religious system – we ALL play. Therefore, stories of triumph over illness, poverty or handicap through the use of sport or play resonate throughout our world and help inspire change, and inspire action. The Power of Sport Story can change a life.
Read our latest Power of Sport story about Kevin Laue from the NY Times - he got offered a scholarship from Manhattan College this week!
Photog: Andrew Shurtleff for The New York Times
Human potential is boundless!
(Here’s my AF basic training pic -circa 1980 - I’m in the front row with the big cheesy smile next to our drill instructor.)
Once again, Memorial Day celebrations will occur all over the nation on Monday marking a holiday that dates back to the late 1800s. There will be moments honoring fallen soldiers and celebrations commemorating a long history of many individuals who demonstrated personal sacrifice and commitment for the country. I’m a military veteran who gave 10 years of service in the Air Force, so this is a day that I always pause and reflect about my time in the military and to think about others who chose to serve in the armed forces.
Last Thursday I presented at the National Patient Safety Foundation conference in DC. The event was attended by hospital administrators from all over the country and some were from military hospitals. I had an opportunity to have several brief and pointed conversations with many of the personnel responsible for caring for the recovery of wounded military members from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. They all shared stories about the positive impact sports is having on the military men and women recovering from their wounds and injuries suffered in combat.
Their power of sport stories reminded me of my time in the service and it took me immediately to my time playing sports, soccer in particular, at the Air Force bases and Army posts where I was stationed during my 10 years. Sports created a great deal of esprit de corps for everyone. It was a great way to blow off steam, have a good time and be connected to our love for any game or sport no matter where we were stationed. As I was remembering my experiences with MWR programs (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) and how vital having a sports outlet was for me, I remembered some great stories I had recently read about men and women in the service today who are dealing with war-related, life-altering injuries and how sports are being used as part of their rehabilitation protocol.
So, I thought it would be fitting and appropriate to share some of stories about how sports are being used in a positive way for the men and women of the armed forces. Many soldiers, airmen and Marines credit sports with giving them much needed motivation to cope with their severe injuries sustained in battle. Many soldiers, airmen and Marines have been able to continue to enjoy their love of sport and play as part of the partnership between the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project and Disabled Sports USA and the Paralympic program.
Checkout some of the powerful ways that sports is being used as a “healing” catalyst for our wounded warriors below:
Fresh contenders for Paralympics – The Denver Post
“As much as 15 percent of the U.S. Paralympic team will be drawn from the 31,000 men and women disabled by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Cowboy-Soldier launches Wounded Warrior Sports Program – Army MWR
“Las Cruces, N.M. – Purple Heart recipient Spc. Jake Lowery officially launched the U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Sports Program with an inspirational team-roping performance at Denny Calhoun Arena on May 10-11.
Lowery, 26, of Fort Richardson, Alaska, lost his right eye and sustained massive head injuries when he was hit by an improvised explosive device that killed a fellow Soldier in Fallujah, Iraq, on Feb. 11, 2007.”
California Surfing! – Challenge Magazine, a publication of the Disabled Sports USA in partnership with Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Program.
“WWDSP partnered with the Naval Medical Center San Diego and Brooke Army Medical Center to offer a unique surfing experience. The Billabong Surf School, along with many other supporters such as Surfing Magazine, provided an incredible experience at Trestles Beach on the Camp Pendleton Marine Base.
More than a dozen patients were joined by their family and medical support staff to hit the beach and enjoy a weekend of relaxation and trying to catch the perfect wave. Surfers were offered tuition and inspiration by South African surfing champion Shaun White. BAMC patient Staff Sgt. Justin Lynn said of his experiences, ‘Surfing all weekend really made the rehab progress. All around a great weekend. Thanks!’”
Wounded vet plays lacrosse after losing limbs (There’s great video, too.) – NBC Sports
“April 29, 2008: Five years ago, Lt. John Fernandez lost both his lower legs to friendly fire in Iraq. Today, he’s playing lacrosse and is hoping to inspire other wounded warriors.”
Dr. Stuart Brown’s discussion about play at the Serious Play Conference ‘08.
Heed his words and practice what he’s preachin’!
From the desk of Jeremy Goldberg…
Dear Friends, Family and Colleagues,
I am pleased to share with you some BIG news!. In partnership with FUNDaFIELD and Sport Court, we are pleased to announce that Uganda will now be the home to an official Street Soccer Pitch. This is the first Street Soccer pitch of its kind, and it will be located in Northern Uganda. This will be a space for community engagement, soccer tournaments, educational programs, and income-generating activities.
We could not have done this without the long hours and months of support and interest by a variety of individuals and colleagues, from FUNDaFIELD who builds fields for youth and kids in Africa, Sport Court’s incredible, state-of the art modular surfacing, Street Soccer USA and Africa Sports Outreach.
In addition, through the help of our staff in Uganda, and through the efforts of volunteers in-country and soon to be headed to Uganda, we will further realize this dream in Northern Uganda… that as Kevin Carroll Katalyst says, “A ball can change your life.”
We look forward to hearing from you. Appreciate your support and feedback, and commitment to the efforts of the global sports for social change movement. And, of course, stay tuned, there will be updates as the pitch is developed over the coming months. The official inauguration of the pitch will take place early this summer!
Best,
Jeremy M. Goldberg
Founder/GYPA
JMG continues to do “human catalyst” work for the wonderful people/souls in Northern Uganda - well done, Jeremy…well done!
For immediate release: The 2009 Gamechangers Special Award
Ashoka’s Changemakers is thrilled to announce the “2009 Gamechangers Special Award” made possible by Kevin Carroll, founder of Katalyst for Social Change, a division of Kevin Carroll Katalyst, LLC. Kevin Carroll is a Changemakers Featured Commentator and sports for social change leader. The “2009 Gamechangers Special Award” recognizes the Gamechangers competition entrant that reflects a dedication to advancing sports and play as a vehicle for social change.
The award is $1,500.00US.
Kevin Carroll and the Ashoka’s Changemakers team are excited to announce the winner of the 2009 Gamechangers Special Award: Inspired by their direction and intention Kevin Carroll has selected “Women Swimming into the Future” submitted by Women Without Borders (India)
If you’re in NYC…The NBA Store will be hosting a special promotion in conjunction with the NBA’s first-ever Green Week April 2nd thru 10th - Recycling Dreams.
The NBA + Hoops 4 Hope Footwear Drive - During Green Week, NBA Store customers have the option of bringing in a gently worn pair of sneakers to donate to NBA Cares charity Hoops 4 Hope and receive 20% off a same day footwear purchase. Hoops 4 Hope supports youth and community development in South Africa by combining the joy of playing basketball with an effective HIV/AIDS-prevention and life-skills curriculum.
Got Sneaks?!
SneakerNote: Two time NBA MVP + perennial All-Star Steve Nash has been a leader in his hoops community to increase awareness and opportunities for his team to be “all about” energy conservation - Steve Nash’s video
Dr. Stuart Brown’s shares the wisdom and necessity of play in his book PLAY+ KaBOOM!‘s 100,000 play destinations + YOU = DREAM Big destinations for the “kid-within-us-all”!
Dr. Brown shares a powerful “why PLAY?!” message in his book - read it + heed it!
KaBOOM! is an organization that acts as the purveyor of play constantly creating and resurrecting safe destinations for our next Gen of leaders to play and imagine BIG possibilities - KaBOOM! Masnifesto
PLAY serendipity has occurred in the past few weeks with KaBOOM!‘s initiative and Dr. Brown’s book release that should not be ignored. Discussions on the role and value of PLAY are gaining tremendous momentum and attention - the PLAY movement needs YOU.
We need to recruit PLAY Operatives - individuals with keen, discerning and diabolically playful eyes that can spot great play locales. We need YOU to identify and share the locales of great playspaces that deserve to be listed as a play destination of choice guaranteed to enhance the imagination, ingenuity, and the innovative spirit of young people (and the young-at-heart!). Got PLAY?! Here’s how you can help…
In a unique partnership, KaBOOM! has teamed up with six national non-profits who are concerned about the well-being of children—YMCA of the USA, National Wildlife Federation, Shaping America’s Health, Jumpstart, America’s Promise Alliance, and First Book—to create an online map of more than 100,000 places to play in America. Two-time “Dancing with the Stars” champion and Mercury Nashville recording artist Julianne Hough will be the public spokesperson for the campaign.
From March 23 until June 30, Julianne will give these select charities $1 for each valid playspace their members load to the KaBOOM! Playspace Finder , up to $100,000. Thanks to capital support from the Omidyar Network, KaBOOM! is using online technology to activate and engage individuals, alert communities of the importance of play, and motivate individuals to start taking action. Once this comprehensive user-generated playground audit is complete, KaBOOM! and communities will know which areas of the country have a great place for kids to play every day and which areas fall short.
The people who use their playspaces everyday are the folks who will know whether or not they are any fun for their kids. From playgrounds to skate parks, ice rinks to basketball courts, the more we know about playspaces from those use them, the more we learn. Take that first step. Make a small contribution to the greater good.
Your actions build individual and community momentum to take the next step towards KaBOOM!‘s vision of a great place to play within walking distance of every child.
March. Madness. Bracketology. Panthers. Wildcats. Tigers. Vols. Cardinal. Terrapins. Boilermakers. Blue Devils. Cardinals. Tar Heels. Zags. Huskies. Pac 10. Big 10. SEC. ACC. Big East. Nooooo! YES! Nickel-Dimer. 64 + a play-in-game.
It’s seems fitting to share the Wizard of Westwood’s wisdom while the “madness” of this month’s NCAA Men’s + Women’s Basketball Tourneys are ongoing. Legendary UCLA hoops Coach John Wooden shares some simple and profound truths in this TED talk - Winning vs. Success
Note: one of my favorite John Wooden phrases, “Hurry…but don’t go fast!”
It’s GOOD!!!!
I’m heading to Denver for a quick trip to meet with Nick Keller, Founder of Beyond Sport. He’s attending the 2009 sportaccord Conference and he will holding a press conference pertaining to the Beyond Sport Summit taking place in London July 7-9, 2009 - I will be acting as the Beyond Sport Summit MC/Master of Catalyzing!
About sportaccord: it’s a 5-day gathering of 1500 leading representatives from international sport. The annual convention is held in a different country each year and encompasses the Congress and General Assemblies of over 100 international sports federations and their related associations. Its mission is to offer the sports community a powerful opportunity to come together on a global scale, in an exclusive and authoritative networking environment, to build relationships, share knowledge and develop ideas.
A Ball Can Change Your Life!
Photo Courtesy of Eric Howell
I met Eric Howell last year in Phoenix at an event and he shared his passion for his film project with me backstage. He followed up with an email and I quickly became a member of his creative support network.
From: Eric Howell
Date: July 14, 2008 12:39:10 PM CDT
To: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Subject: Ana’s Playground (Jostens Mtg.)
Hello Kevin.
Thank you for taking a few moments with me back stage at the Josten’s meeting. Ana’s Playground has been a dream I’ve been working on for 7 years, and if you’ve had a chance to look at the information packet, you will see why I was excited to share it with you. Serendipity.
Kindly
Eric Howell
2,000 Children are killed or injured in war everyday.
Help Make a Movie.
Help Make a Difference.
Mission Statement
Our intent is to produce an Oscar-worthy short film that will raise the maximum amount of awareness about war affected children by screening to the broadest audience possible. As well, we will use the film to highlight and promote those organizations working to improve the lives of children who have experienced political violence.
About Ana/Story Synopsis
“Ana’s Playground” reveals a tragic moment when children are brought to the brink of destruction and connection, ideology and humanity.
When 13 year-old Ana is chosen to retrieve the children’s soccer ball within the kill zone of a sniper, she finds a fleeting bond with her enemy despite the deadly cat-and-mouse game they must play.
In a moment of humanity, the sniper reveals the connection between children - even when caught in warfare. However, war wins this game with the ultimate loss of innocence that cannot be avoided in violent conflict.
See the film’s trailer
See More Pics
Visit the website
BRAVO…Eric…BRAVO!
Photog: Jesse Jordan/ Artist: Caitlin Beidler
National Safe Place/NSP is truly a catalyst in the movement to better the lives of young people in difficult situations. I had the opportunity to speak at the 2008 NSP Conference that coincided with the 25th anniversary -
the NSP team and leadership truly inspired me!
Check out more pics of the NSP Community Catalysts: NSP 2008 Conference
Photo courtesy of The Oregonian
This past weekend the Rose City played host to 62 skilled, passion-filled, java artisans in the U.S. at the 2009 Barista Championships . The 62 competitors hailed from around the country and put their latte luv and espresso expertise on display for the chance to represent the USA at the Bartista World Championship later this year in Atlanta.
I must admit that this wonderfully, playful story, from the Saturday edition of The Oregonian, was exuberantly brought to my attention by my coffee-lovin’ wife - Kim!
Enjoy the read…preferably over a nicely prepared cup o’ your favorite coffee concoction!
Books by KC
