The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Growing up in Nigeria, I learned an old African proverb that says, "It takes a village to raise a child." It's a reminder that children will flourish only when they have the support of their entire community. Years later, I was reminded of that phrase when I moved to Canada to pursue my dreams of becoming an Olympic wrestler. Canadians were quick to embrace me and my goals, and it was largely thanks to their support that I was able to bring home a gold medal from the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. I know they'll be cheering me on again as I compete at the Olympics in Athens. I'm very proud to be living in Canada, and of the incredible support network I have found here, including my host families, coaches, trainers and corporate sponsors such as Cheerios. It seems Canadians realize that if it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes a country to build an Olympic athlete. Since winning gold in Sydney, I've had the opportunity to visit numerous schools. Many of the kids I meet talk about their own Olympic aspirations. I tell them that being an athlete isn't just about skill training and physical development; it requires emotional and mental preparation too. This includes learning how to set goals and building the confidence it takes to succeed. We can all do our part to help develop the athletes in our own communities. Here are a few things you can do to support the young athletes you know: Encourage young athletes to set short and long term goals. Remind them that winning isn't everything. Having fun, making friends, improving their skills and doing their best are also important. Encourage them to play by the rules and resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence. Help develop their confidence by reminding them of the things they do well. Nurture an appreciation of amateur sports by watching the Olympics together and celebrating the accomplishments of the athletes. Remind them of the importance of eating a daily breakfast. Even stopping for a bowl of Cheerios will help them start their day off right. Most importantly, young athletes will have more confidence when they know that the people around them - their family, friends and community - will always be supportive, whether they win or lose, as long as they do their very best.
