Support our Local Athletes!

I recently had the privilege of attending a fundraiser for Steele Johnson. For those of you that don’t know, Steele Johnson is a Carmel resident that qualified for the Olympics in Rio in the 10-meter platform and 10-meter synchronized platform!

As I sat listening to his Dad, Bill Johnson, talk about how much it cost the family, not just in dollars but in time and energy to take young Steele downtown every day to practice, I realized how fortunate we are as Americans to have the ability to go “downtown” to an Olympic sized pool to practice and how oblivious most of us are to the dedication and work these people put into being the best athlete they possibly can.

I’ve heard story after story, most of the time from my clients, about how our own CEO, Dave Shepherd, practiced every day not only at school but also at home.  He received the title of Mr. Basketball in 1970, averaging 37 points per game as a senior.

When I reflect on how many athletes we have in the great state of Indiana and how much time and effort they put into their sport, some never making it to the “big time” it is truly overwhelming. If we do nothing else, we should make it a point in this day and age of violence to appreciate their talents and envelop them in our support, whether it’s mental, emotional or financial. Let’s take pleasure in our local athlete’s abilities and accomplishments, and even if it’s just for a moment – relish in their hard work and dedication to their sport, and forget our daily troubles for just a bit.