I had a 4th and 5th grade boys and girls game last night that still has me smiling this morning. 4th quarter of the girls game and we have a 30 pt game with the home team being up. It is a very small gym and we have parents and grand parents waiting to get in for the boys game.
The smallest kid on the visiting team finally gets in the game with about 2 mins to go. They finally get the ball to her and she gets "fouled" while trying to shoot. The first shot was no where near the basket. I looked at the home team Coach for approval to move her closer to the basket for the second shot. The home team coach gave me the nod. I moved her to about 5-6 from the basket and the whole place gets quiet. She takes a few dribbles, eyes the hoop and gives it all she has got to make it to the baket. Nothing but nylon, the whole gum errupts clapping for her (both home and visiting fans). She is all smiles as she runs back down court, what I figure is her Mom is surrounded by people giving her high fives as she begins to tear up with joy. The game ends and the home team wins by 30+ but the only thing people are talking about is the made free throw by the little girl. Her Mom came over and told me and my partner thank you following the game as her daughter starts runnning around with her friends and doing cartwheels.
It reminded me that the reason I continue to stay involved is not for me....but for the kids !
