Can the Riders move Rider Nation?

We’re Going to the Ship!

They pulled it off! The Riders are headed to the Grey Cup and Rider Nation is going with them in one way or another! At this point it doesn’t matter if it was luck or talent we’re all in it to win it!

I gotta say even if we get some lucky calls [every team gets some favors and some rip offs during the season] the dudes that play on that team are real athletes! They train their bodies and their minds  for success.

Little Ones with Big Dreams

Most of these guys have probably been working to get where they are for the better part of their lives. Everyone knows you don’t just decide you want to be a pro athlete and get it. I’d be willing to bet they all have stories of learning to throw the perfect spiral or making the game winning defensive play back in pee wee. It really does take a lifetime to get to that level. Being elite means sacrifice, hard work, perseverance and dedication.

Some things are naturally out of every athlete’s control; you can’t decide if your body will be the “ideal” for your sport. As an athlete you have no say which players the coaches choose. The amazing thing about being an athlete is how much you can do, depending on how hard you are willing to work for it. You can study routes, defenses, individual opponents and where you need to improve. You can train your body to be stronger, faster, last longer and push harder [I’m gunna stress working for it, naturally!]. You can make good choices Socially. You can choose to work hard academically to earn scholarships, that will give you the opportunity to be coached by the best in the business. You have the ability to structure your attitude to carry you through to success. Finally, you can build a support system that consistently and positively motivates you.

More Than a Game

To me sport is about competition, physical development, striving for success, and applying what you learn to your sport and to life. Sport gives us a taste of things we may encounter through life, like being gracious in defeat. No doubt there can be rough and discouraging times when you are involved heavily in a sport. I do think that the ultimate goal of being involved is enriching your life though.

The Power of Rider Nation

The dudes that play for the Riders are definitely in the category of athletes who work for it, and whose lives are enriched through sport. All of that doesn’t account for the amount of support they get from all of their loyal fans. Win or lose the people who support the Rider franchise are back next season. The support around this team is a movement of its own.

My hope is that the Riders inspire the people of Saskatchewan to harness the benefits of being active for themselves. I’m not saying everyone should go out and try to become a pro athlete [that’s just not realistic]. That said, there is a reason athletes are able to dedicate their lives to an activity. The adrenaline rush, the physical improvements and health benefits [even when guys are busted up, they are only concerned with the date they can get back in there] the mental escape from stress, the friendships they  build, and basically the pursuit of happiness.

What It All Means To You

If you watch the games and are inspired to push themselves to be the best at something, great. If you get up and toss a ball around with your kids or a buddy, that’s awesome. If you decide, “even though it’s been a few years I’m joining a touch team”, wicked! The important thing is recognizing that whatever activity you choose is an opportunity. You have the opportunity to better your body and mind, build friendships and enhance relationships. You also have the chance to feel a sense of accomplishment and pure joy – just like  the dudes playing for a living without the pressure;).

Sask on the Move

Saskatchewan already has a crazy strong “movement” in the form of Rider Nation and it  isn’t much of a stretch to make the link to physical activity. It’s almost a given:

You support football [Deadly!]→ so.. you support Sport [Sweet!]→ so.. you support Physical Activity [Love it!]→ so.. you might as well jump on in and be a part of the Saskatchewan in motion movement [That worked out so nicely…didn’t it ]!

And…

Just because I can I’m gunna go ahead a releate all of this awesomeness to the power of young people! You ready for this..[it’ll be quick, keep reading]

The Power of Youth

Our Rider QB Darian Durant is only 27. He doesn’t have years of experience leading a team like a lot of QBs. He had moments where he struggled and was questioned by the public. But he had a goal; he put his head down, stayed dedicated and focused. He learned from past experience in games and from mentors like his dad. He took the support where it was given and proved to everyone it can be done! Basically his legitimacy was questioned and he was underestimated. That happens a lot with young [or inexperienced] leaders. I look at Durant and see a guy with a goal. He’s a guy who had something to prove, who wasn’t afraid to try and make it happen. That is the best part of being new on the block, there is nothing to lose, so go for it!

Are you part of Rider Nation? What does that mean to you? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Later

Kenji