TOPSOCCER RECAP—SEPTEMBER 25, 2016
I heard a quote recently that made me stop and think. It said, "Each handicap is like a hurdle in a steeplechase, and when you ride up to it, if you throw your heart over, the horse will go along, too." Such a simple sentence, and yet it’s not.
About a year and a half ago, I was asked to implement a TOPSoccer program in Northwest Ohio. Interesting in that, 1) I had never witnessed a TOPSoccer program in action and 2) I was pretty intimidated by anyone with special needs. The first hurdle was not too difficult to overcome. Create a to-do list, seek some outside input, one step at a time and ta-da! We have Toledo TOPSoccer. The second hurdle, the one I thought would be the toughest, well, little did I know how easy it would be. See, many times, we define “handicap” with a diagnosis or a visible physical limitation, and it is that definition that can lead us to feel intimidated or even afraid to interact with someone with disabilities. Guess what I learned through TOPSoccer? They (the participants) threw their heart over the hurdle and refuse to be defined in this manner. These kiddos are some of the funniest, happiest, sweetest people I have ever met. I am amazed at the parents who have been able to teach their children to not be defined by some limitation, but instead to grab life with both hands and embrace every opportunity. And they do it with smiles and laughter. In the process, they help us overcome our own handicap of intolerance or fear or dismissiveness. How I wish everyone would come and experience this program. For both the participants and the volunteers, it has the ability to change you in ways you have never imagined.
Our next Soccer Sunday will be on October 9 from 2:00-3:00pm at the Maumee Soccer Center. If you have not had a chance to join us yet, we hope you will! I promise, you will not regret it!
To register as a participant, please email [email protected] with the participant's name and the dates you will be attending.
To register as a volunteer, please click this link and select the dates your are available to help! http://signup.com/client/invitation/6775657374/1513758/false#!1513758/false/false