Kristin Gillette is my friend. The name may not ring a bell with you, but without her, there may not be a St. Louis Youth Sports Summit. She agreed to help me organize the content of the event when we weren't sure anyone would come or even if it was a good idea. She gives up a weekend each January to present the Coaching Leadership large group session at the Summit.
My friend, Kristin is a Mrs. and not a Ms. She's also a mom - meaning her husband and son would love it if she spent one more weekend with them in Kansas City. Instead, she drives across the state in the dead of winter to help promote the cause of sportsmanship.
To borrow from one of my favorite movies, we use words like sportsmanship, civility, integrity and respect. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent promoting something - something that will enrich the lives of our kids and give them the sports experience they all deserve.
Before I write the post telling everyone how great the Summit was, I need to say I'm sorry to my friend. I offer this apology to Kristin because of the number of people who walked out of the auditorium as soon as Mia Hamm's keynote interview was over.
You see, we immediately transition from the keynote to the first large group session for the sake of time. I expressly communicated to attendees beforehand that time had not been allotted for autographs or pictures. Mia had a plane to catch. She was gracious enough to stay with us for another half-hour or so, but she really had to go.
Most who rushed out had their children with them. In that moment, they taught their kids that disrespecting an adult was OK. My colleagues and I were hurt and embarrassed. People walked out as if Kristin was an opposing political candidate or as if she had told everyone there was no Santa Claus.
Ironically, Kristin's topic was entitled Coaching Leadership. Those who walked out on her powerful presentation showed no leadership. We conduct ourselves a certain way at Sportsmanship Initiative events. I personally recruit everyone who gets behind a microphone at one of our events and trust them to provide useful and encouraging information.
I also expect that our audience will respect the presenters' expertise and time regardless of celebrity. Please do not disrespect my speakers. This cannot and will not happen again. Until next time...
Be a Good Sport!
-Sol
Monday, 14 January 2013
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