“Sustain a family life for a long period of time and you can sustain success for a long period of time. First things first. If your life is in order you can you can do whatever you want.” NBA Coach Pat Riley

One of the things I like about my age is enjoying grownup grandchildren, neighborhood children and getting to know my great-grandchildren. There is something special and valuable to be discovered about each one. We are there as they hover between childhood and the uncertain life beyond. There have been wonderful moments along the way. I am simply not over the wondrousness of them all.

At this time I would like to congratulate Saco Little League’s 11s on their championship win. Congratulations, State Champs! Playing sports speaks to the soul of these youngsters. It draws on their talents. No one gets results alone. Teamwork helps players to work at peak efficiency.

Much of the work and the role in training young athletes is hidden from view but it is there nevertheless. Youngsters remember their coaches and teammates and the often hidden ways they affected their lives. Coaches and young athletes have tender relationships. I would like to thank each of the wonderful people who made an essential contribution to the success of Saco Little League: board members, managers, umpires, team parents, and families. We are tremendously grateful for the coaches who contributed their time, energy and talent.

I did not go to any of the games, but I felt involved because Joyce and Cliff Purvis, my neighbor, went to every game all season. I remember the day Kirk came home from the hospital. Now he is coaching his son Cole! Also, I got all watery eyed when I interviewed Chad, my grandson, who was coaching his son Brody, my great-grandson. Chad said, “Saco is a sports community and that we have a great bunch of good athletes coming up.”

Along with children playing sports come expenses for the family, and unpaid days off from work. Saco is fortunate to have friends, family and community to help support kids.

Please forgive me for being so sentimental, but I feel blessed and special being here to enjoy all this and more. I tell all my grandchildren and will tell the great grands (“five great grandsons under ten”) they will understand “yiayia” when they reach her age.

Coaching is a form of development in which a person called a coach supports a learner or client in achieving a specific personal or professional goal by providing training and guidance.” Young athletes are physically developing, from early childhood to late adolescence. This means they have different capabilities for, and adaption to, exercise and for this reason, young athletic programs should not be just sealed down versions of adult training programs.

Coaches of young children need to ensure that every child or young person who takes part in athletics is able to participate in a safe and fun environment and is protected from neglect and physical, sexual and emotional abuse.