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The Olympics aren't just in China this year. They are in every neighborhood in America. Kids living their dreams of one day being a Michael Phelps or Natalie Coughlin. People who were once 'neighborhood kids'
with Olympic dreams that took them to heights only their imagination could see are still there.
To obtain anything close to these athletic abilities, it has to start in childhood and be nurtured not only by parents and coaches, but by the child's own ambition. The child's self confidence and belief in themselves has to be there, or no amount of 'you can do it' will matter.
I have to wonder how many future Olympians we have right here in Meridian. How many neighborhood kids wonder if they could possibly someday be the one to swim the fastest or jump the highest. We probably won't know until these children achieve something which merits worth mentioning. The sad thing is, there are many who will never hear, "good job!". Their environment simply doesn't allow it. It's these neighborhood kids who need to be encouraged in order to build their self-esteem.
So, when you see a neighborhood kid riding a bike or shooting hoops on the curbside, give them a thumbs up. Encourage them by acknowledging the effort. It only takes a moment, but the child remembers it all day. Maybe even for a lifetime. Who knows, you just might be looking at a one day Olympic super star.
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