Dear OTL Community,
I would like to extend a word of encouragement to OTL members, their families, friends, and anyone else who has a passion for sports. Volleyball, and all other sports, is a means to an end. It is an experience in which our young kids can learn principles that carry over into the “real world” and we all know how difficult and uncertain the real world can be at times.
We are currently in those uncertain times with the impact of the COVID-19 virus. One minute we are practicing and preparing for tournaments, the next minute we find ourselves hunkered down at home with nothing to do and no places to go. From fun, exciting and joyful moments watching games and cheering for your favorite team to breaking news alerts, store closures, and flooding emails with updates on COVID-19.
Now is the time to take the principles that volleyball has taught us and apply it to today, tomorrow, and the rest of our lives.
We practice team UNITY, being ‘for’ each other, especially in difficult times. We connect, encourage, and support one another for the common good of the group.
We practice PERSEVERANCE, understanding that adversity is a large part of life and it is vital to learning how to adapt and press on. Ultimately, we practice GIVING OUR ALL for a shared purpose. Allowing all that is within you to be emptied so that you can leave a place better than when you arrived.
Right now, there are people who are not in a great place, let’s give them our all! Take the time to connect with those that seem distant, encourage those that seem afraid, support those in need and above all never give up.
Our hearts go out to all those critically affected by the COVID-19 virus.
As appropriate measures are being taken to limit the spread of the virus, do your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, sleep, exercise, and proper hygiene.
I hope to see you all on the court very soon!
Leah Kauffman
OTL Volleyball