Loading ...- Category:
- Sport
- Author:
- Wally Salinger
- Posted:
- Tuesday, 14 April 2009
The heart beats a littler faster, palms sweat. Watch only the pitcher’s arm. Wait. Balanced, yet ready to swing and sprint to first base. The picture is the moment, here is the story.
When friends of 21-year-old John McCrea returned from Montreal Outgames with a bronze medal from the slow pitch softball competition in 2006, he thought it was pretty cool. He thought softball could be a great way to meet people and gain confidence in his abilities.
John is a fairly typical gay Sydney guy, going to the gym, enjoying bushwalking and tennis. His career in corporate circles is just beginning.
Sports people deal with pressure situations in every game; but the situation that faced John in the finals at the Queensland corporate games in 2008 raised stress tolerance to new levels.
Outfielders were down 1 -“ 10 on a 2 out rally as John came up as first on the plate for the innings. Captured forever by Team Sydney’s Amateur Sports Photographer of 2008, Cindy Connors, John’s successful hit took him to second base, carrying the team’s spirit with him to a silver medal.
A sociable person, John made an investment. He thought he was -˜just playing sport’.
The intangible and immeasurable benefits have touched many other parts of his life. His friends support the club’s fundraising events and he has a group that cares about him and is interested in his improvement at his chosen sport.
Corporations recognise the benefits of a healthy workforce. Sporting participation does more than provide health benefits. It’s cheaper than Toastmasters for the development of personal integrity and confidence.
It makes sense. You lead in a small group setting -” wins and losses are part of the game, not
life-threatening or bankrupting decisions. Make a wrong decision, work through the outcomes. Break the rules, face the consequences. Lead by positive encouragement of team members, not -˜hogging the ball’.
Win gracefully, lose with dignity, maximise the enjoyment of the participation.
Team Sydney member Outfielders’ summer season has just ended. The winter break will focus on getting funds, players and supporters together for the Copenhagen Outgames from 25 July to 2 August.
info: Come out to play: Find out about your sport at teamsydney.org.au
Tags: Cindy Connors, Copenhagen Outgames, John McCrea, Montreal Outgames, Outfielders, Queensland corporate games, slow pitch softball, Team Sydney, Team Sydney Amateur Sports Photography
