I saw the last few moments of a story this week that touched my heart, and I had to go online to find out the rest of the story. I found it to be so inspiring, that I am writing my weekly post about it! As teachers, parents, and coaches, we try to do our best to teach sportsmanship. We look for examples to share to illustrate what true sportsmanship really is. This story defines sportsmanship perfectly.
A senior named Brandon Schutt is a runner for the Bellevue HS team, which is in Nebraska. When he was closing in on the finish line, he saw Blake Cerveny, an opponent, collapse in the track. Rather than run past him, Brandon helped to get the runner to his feet, and by holding him up, the two crossed the finish line together.
In an interview, Brandon noted that when he saw the runner collapse, he remembered when the same thing happened to him about a month before. Brandon knew the feeling, and his empathy and caring kicked in. Brandon sacrificed a win for himself to help a runner who was not even on his same team.
Sports offer so many life lessons to players, coaches, and spectators. This lesson of exemplary sportsmanship by helping others, rather than seeking the self-glory, is one that everyone can learn from. When asked in an interview about the most important lesson learned from this event, Brandon answered: "Even if it is an individual sport, you're still in this with your team mates and opponents; you're going through the same thing."
I feel sure that Brandon's parents, teachers, coaches, and team mates are so proud of him. I am proud of him, and I don't even know him! What a fine example he has given to the world.
If you would like to see a delightful interview with this outstanding young man, please click on the link below/
https://www.newsnationnow.com/heroes/sportsmanship-is-winner-in-dramatic-end-to-cross-country-race/
"One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than a hundred teaching it." Knute Rockne
Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!
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