Learning and Growing: One Athlete's Story
The trip halfway around the world was certainly worth it for our Indian friend Aayush, who is in San Francisco competing in the 42nd International Children’s Games. Proudly representing Vadadora, India has been only one of the many fun aspects of participating in the Games.
After briefly talking to this polite boy, one generates a strong understanding of how special these Games really are. Aayush is playing basketball for his city and has competed against teams from Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, Florence, United States, Murska Sobota, Slovenia and Vevey, Switzerland. When he is not busy putting up points on the hardwood, Aayush can be found hanging out with his teammates, laughing with newly found friends and watching other competitions.
“So far, I’ve really liked the Opening Ceremonies, watching all the matches and playing in the games,” the 12 year old said. He has a clear understanding that his presence at the games fits into a bigger picture.
“It’s quite important to be here because we are representing our country. We have a responsibility to be ambassadors. This means behaving well, being respectful and just winning. If we can’t win, we will still make sure to enjoy the games,” he added.
The basketball games he’s played in have provided some interesting lessons. “Everyone has such different styles of playing. The strategy of one team is so different from another.” That’s what you get when you play against teams from three different continents!
“After the games we meet with the players from the other teams and exchange gifts and just talk,” said Aayush.
Overall, the experience has been fantastic for this participant in the Games. “The spirit from everyone is really good and there is no rough play at all during the games. San Francisco is a beautiful city and everything is fun.”
When asked to describe the International Children’s Games in one word, Aayush said, “Enjoyable.” I don’t think one can ask for more than that.
Click here to learn about Vadadora, India.
News & Events
Press Coverage
July 13th, 2008
Honoridez carries Cebu’s medal hopes in ICG Sunstar - Cebu - Internet home of Philippine news JEAN Philippe Jawad-Honoridez is the only Cebuano left standing in the International Children’s games after his teammates lost their respective matches in the second day of the games in San Francisco, California yesterday.
July 13th, 2008
Manama off to a winning start The Gulf Daily News - Bahrain MANAMA City kicked off their campaign on a high note, winning their opening match against hosts city San Francisco 7-1 in the 42nd International Children's Games soccer championship being held at Negoesco Field in San Francisco...
July 12th, 2008
Sporting coup as Scotland wins bid to host children's 'mini Olympics' The Scotsman - FIONA MACLEOD A MAJOR international sporting event will be held in Scotland after Lanarkshire won its bid to host the International Children's Games in 2011. The world's largest sporting youth event, popularly known as the mini Olympics, is likely to attract 2,000 athletes aged 12-15, plus coaches and officials from more than 70 countries.
July 10th, 2008
Children from around world finding friendship in Bay Area Jerome Hubbard, San Francisco Chronicle San Francisco is the site of the 42nd International
Children 's
Games , which are designed to promote peace and friendship through sports. Some of the kids have another priority. "I want to win," said soccer player Laure Lynch, a 14-year-old from Ireland...
July 10th, 2008
Soccer teams selected for San Francisco games When Jeff Reese called a late-May meeting for the 15 members of his North Street Recreation Center soccer team, Layshawn Williams knew something big was coming up. Never in her wildest dreams did Williams anticipate...
July 10th, 2008
Up-and-Coming Athletes Go for the Gold in San Francisco Fox Business News
July 7th, 2008
Kenyan team all set for world children’s games Nation Media, www.nationmedia.com
June 30th, 2008
Youngsters set for world games A 20-member Bahraini delegation has been named to represent the city of Manama at this year's International Children's Games, set to be held in San Francisco this month.
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