The wave of local sporting heroes.
SO A few months ago, I embarked on the idea of writing a children’s book as a follow up to my adult motivational read, The Winner Within. I targeted aspiring athletes and young professionals in my first publication, but I found that my book resonated well with adults as well, largely because the sporting icons I referenced brought a broader sense of appreciation and admiration for sports figures.
As a follow-up, I decided to veer into children’s literature and apply the same premise for a colouring and reading book titled Little
Country, Big Winners. It’s a celebration of some of Jamaica’s most recent sporting icons who are a great example of what can result when talent meets ambition and grit. It’s an important message for the current generation that may take them from inspiration to action in their daily pursuits and as they develop their unique talents.
Now, Jamaica’s accomplishments in global sports continue to fascinate. I don’t think we recognise how remarkable it is that of some 195 countries on the planet, Jamaica, with under three million people and a little over 4,000 square miles, has produced the fastest swimmer over 50 metres and both the male and female Olympic champions over 100 and 200 metres.
As time takes us further and further away from our colonial past, the daily heroes for the upcoming generation are not so much the ones we have immortalised at Heroes Circle. The new superheroes are not necessarily Spiderman or Superman of the comic book variety. Their new heroes are not just Neymar or Messi who are never to be seen or touched by Jamaican children of today. Our youngsters now have identifiable heroes from our very shores, those, who, through ambition and preparation, have risen to global prominence and dominance. Shining, living examples of excellence.
The prevalence of local sporting heroes on the global stage can do quite a lot for the national selfesteem. It means that our children and young adults need not dislike the colour of their skin or have an ideal construct of success that looks different from themselves and their parents.
NEW WAVE OF NATIONALISM
There is a new wave of nationalism that can serve to motivate our youth. Another positive effect thanks to Usain Bolt.
Beyond Usain Bolt, our young girls need encouraging stories about Alia Atkinson and Elaine Thompson and Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce. Beyond our sprinters, our boys need examples of a young Raheem Sterling, who, at just 23 years old, has already made a FIFA World Cup semi-final and lifted arguably the world’s most popular domestic trophy. Beyond what our young people now see on TV and at the National Stadium, they need reminders of our previous achievements, such as Jamaica’s World Cup qualification with then teenage sensation Ricardo ‘Bibi’ Gardener.
We will all depend on the next generation to take us forward, and part of doing so is to continue our excellent sporting legacy as well as develop meaningful values that sports impart. Consistently displaying sporting excellence gives our children concrete examples of rising beyond their perceived limitations, irrespective of their chosen professional part. It is a great time to be Jamaican.
One Love.