University of Georgia Athletics
Teresa Edwards Talks From The London Olympics
August 12, 2012 | Women's Basketball
Aug. 12, 2012
Aug. 12, 2012
Hello Bulldog Nation. Every day of the London Olympic Game has been a journey.
I've certainly enjoyed all the sporting events, but participating in non-competition, community events has brought joy to my heart on a human level. I am now a part of the legacy we as the United States Olympic Committee will leave behind once the medal count has been tallied. In preparation for the Games, the USOC partnered within the communities of East London to extend facilities by building a new gym as well as laying a new track. These facilities allowed for our athletes to continue training as they are accustomed at home while preparing for the actual competition here in London. They will remain for future generations as they attempt to reach similar heights.
Earlier in the year, I took part in the ceremony to officially open one facility and be-friended a special young basketball kid by the name of Sam. A few days ago, Sam had tears in his eyes as we prepared a way for him and a few of his teammates to watch the U.S. Men's Olympic basketball team practice and Sam shook hands with his favorite player in the world, Mr. Cramelo Anthony. Needless to say, my heart was happy to have been associated with imprints that can change lives forever. Yet, I was most impressed with Mr. Anthony's inviting spirit to immediately show "brotherly Love" to this kid. It was awesome!
A couple of days later, I visited training facility for Athletics and had the privilege to speak to nearly 100 kids in the local area of that community. It was 45 minutes to an hour so I was hoping not to bore them. It was exhilarating and even more so when the kids became engaged in the questions and answers at the end. My message was recognizing the gifts within yourself and seizing opportunities presently with the greatest event in the world being held in your front yard. What a chance gift for me to cultivate good seeds. I hope to reap the harvest in a child's life for sure.
I also have to give props to LOCOG, the committee here has done just a fantastic job planning and conducting the Olympics. I'm sure all you folks in Georgia will remember ACOG in 1996. Well, these are the same people. They're charged with running the Olympics. This is, of course, my first Games as a spectator. In the end, what everyone at the USOC and Olympic Committees from every other nation wants is great facilities, atmosphere and experiences for their athletes. LOCOG has gone above and beyond to make sure that's the case. Most impressive, every volunteer I came into contact with were professionals who were successful citizens of Great Britain! These people taught me true humility comes in true sharing of personal sacrifices from your work, family and security. They were doctors, lawyers, business owners, fire fighters and the list goes on in true character. They came from all over because they wanted to live in the moment and to keep their true legacy as a country in tact not because they had nothing better to do. I'm stronger for meeting such people who humbled themselves so we all may be lifted in the eyes of the world. Shout out to TEAM GB, on and off the medal podium.
Wow...I wrote all of that without even mentioning any competition. Well I will let the medal count do that for you. It's time to close this up by coming together at the closing ceremony. It's time to celebrate in dance and cheer of what brought us all together under the same roof. For a couple of hours we will all be brothers and sisters in celebration. Amazing how we could challenge one another's greatest effort in true sportsmanship, fight to the finish and celebrate the war! Yes, we will leave here just to meet up four years from now in Rio to do it all again. Believe me...none of us want to leave London. Life should be so well lived Everyday... Everywhere!
Thank you Bulldog Nation for hanging on to my few words...Hope I didn't let you down. Special shout out to Mike Mobley and Carla Wiliams who have allowed me to remain in touch with my Bulldog roots.
All Love...
Coming Home,
"Chef T"
