Sportsmanship in Sports and in Life

March 11, 2011 By 14 Comments

Every now and then I hear about examples of great sportsmanship. I love the inspiration of seeing athletes rise above their own feelings and fears to reach out to their competitors.

An Example of Great Sportsmanship from Figure Skating

Recently at the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, Team USA pairs skater Mark Ladwig had his skate break during his short program. He was given the allowed three minutes to return to the ice and finish the program.

While he was trying to decide whether to use duct tape or screws to fix his skate boot, he was handed a boot from a friend – and pairs competitor – Rudi Swiegers of Team Canada. Because Rudi and Mark wear the same size skates, Mark and his partner were able to complete their short program and the competition. Here’s more about the story from Team USA: Swiegers gives Ladwig the boot.

An Example of Great Sportsmanship from Softball

I first saw this video at The Zen Mama’s Blog in her Inspirational Movie Monday. It’s an amazingly beautiful example of sportsmanship … I still get teary-eyed every time I see it.

YouTube Preview Image

Become the Blessing

The description for the “Girls Softball Miracle” video on YouTube says simply

Throw away the selfishness…and let the beauty of helping others comes into our hearts. Be a blessing!

I can’t help but think of Ann Voskamp’s book One Thousand Gifts. Ann talks about finding joy through gratitude. And then she talks about the greatest gift – to become the blessing:

Here I can become the blessing, a little life that multiplies joy, making the larger world a better place. (p. 200)

That’s what true sportsmanship can do in sports – and in life. I think we all need to look at how we can show the best possible sportsmanship, whether it’s in a sport, in school, at work, or in any life situation. Let’s focus on what’s more important than “winning” – being a person of character and integrity … encouraging our friends and competitors … being a blessing whenever we can.

“How You Played the Game” Word-Art Freebie

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Comments

  1. Betsy at Zen Mama
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    says:
    March 11, 2011 at 6:45 am

    I always love that Softball youtube as well! I watched so many times. I really think I’ve got to read One Thousand Gifts one of these days. I’ve seen it mentioned on other blogs, too.
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  2. Kirsty
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    says:
    March 15, 2011 at 6:35 pm

    Great post. There’s definitely something about a person who can switch on and off being very competitive like that!
    Kirsty recently posted..2nd Kirsty Girl Linky &amp Smith O’Briens Cottage Port ArthurMy Profile
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  3. Kirsty
    Twitter:
    says:
    March 15, 2011 at 7:13 pm

    Thank you so much for linking up Deb! You’re the best!
    Kirsty recently posted..2nd Kirsty Girl Linky &amp Smith O’Briens Cottage Port ArthurMy Profile
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  4. Melinda says:
    March 17, 2011 at 7:32 am

    Thanks for a feel good moment this morning! It’s wonderful to hear about athletics who rise above the game to show real character!
    Melinda recently posted..Sharing a MomentMy Profile

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  5. Sherry says:
    March 17, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    An amazing video and story. Thanks so much for sharing this! I know this is one we can share with the youth we work with!
    Sherry recently posted..Thankful ThursdayMy Profile

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  6. Gina says:
    March 17, 2011 at 11:33 pm

    Deb
    Thank you for stopping by, please let me know how to follow you and I will.

    keep up the great work on your blog

    hugs n blessings
    Gina
    Gina recently posted..Just a little reminder special postMy Profile

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  7. Jan Udlock says:
    March 23, 2011 at 9:34 am

    Deb,
    Found you via incourage. Loved the softball video. What a tear-jerker!

    You have a very full, information-packed blog.
    jan
    Jan Udlock recently posted..It’s Getting To Be Spring – before and after picsMy Profile

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