Sports as Service Above Self at Hope House

 

It was another Tuesday in Idaho. Lightning in the area sparked a large brush fire, and the forecast was for smoky skies with a high near 100 Degrees. That smoke meant that we would likely be playing volleyball in the gym this night rather than softball outside on the ball field. Boise Sunrise Rotary has been making the trek to Marsing for over a decade to interact with the kids through sport. By sport, we mean that the intention is always to play Softball, but the reality is that “sports” is what it is all about. What sport actually gets played is always negotiable. The softball field is basic with a goat pasture next door. It is not uncommon for the goats to get out and graze in the field. But not during the games!

The Hope House boys have been at Football camp for most of the summer, but all of Hope House was present on this hot August night. Hope House has a volleyball coach, and they have been practicing all season, so the quality of play is better than we have seen in a long time. The gym was comfortable and the game was on.  We were able to play 4 games in the time allotted.

What impressed us the most was that the guys were playing hard but aware of their surroundings and holding back to not hurt anyone. There was a camaraderie that touched our hearts. Everyone congratulated each other for good plays and, although competitive, they had what we would call the Olympic spirit of good sportsmanship.