This past fall, we were excited to have been invited to partner with a local elementary school to support their sports program. In years past, the school has always sent teams of 5th and 6th graders to compete against other schools but unfortunately, they came back empty handed. The teacher in charge of putting the teams together commented that not only had they not gotten a trophy the previous years but to other schools who came with jerseys and obviously more access to resources, this school was the laughing stock of the competitions.
So, this year, the teacher was determined to lead his students to victory, to seeing their own worth and to value their hard work. Our staff was of course more than willing to help as they were equally as eager to see the underdogs from a community we so dearly love have a new story to share.
Since September, each week our staff has gone out to the fields to work with the teams of students in both track and field as well as soccer. During each practice, they cheer from the sidelines and the stands and afterwards, they congratulate the students with snacks and lots of hi-fives and hugs. What a difference this has made.
At the end of October, the track and field team arrived at the regional competition, excited but a bit nervous. Our staff pulled out a surprise for the team- some jerseys that a local church had donated and earlier that week, unbeknownst to the students, had been embroidered with the MARKED logo and the name of their school. Their eyes lit up and smiles stretched across their faces as soon as they saw. They were no longer the unprepared school from the poor neighborhood, they were selected athletes, prepared for the events and the only group with official jerseys.
At that event, our MARKED-San Pedro team took home 28 of the 35 possible medals, more than any other school had that day or ever. In that same moment, so much more was won- trust, belief in themselves, and a new attitude of hope, looking forward to what the future holds for them. This was just the first competition but what an incredible start to the sports season and new season for these kids- one that simply started by someone who dared to say something different about them; you are capable, you are valued, and you belong here. Over the past few months, they have continued being the team everyone wants to beat.