My First Job in Sports

Today, we went to the Citadel Football stadium where an organization called “Without Walls Ministry hosted an event for disadvanted children and families from the local community. There, they distributed groceries, gave gifts to kids, and offered a variety of activities and services including haircuts, a carnival for the children and sports activities. They were also able to distribute over 200 bicycles to children. It really brought together a community and gave people something to celebrate for Christmas.

My “job” was to play football. Doesn’t sound like a job really, nor did it feel like one. It really fascinated me how a simple game of football could actually “make” a kid’s Christmas. We had about 30 kidssplit between two teams. Even though I had never met these kids or visited Charleston as a city, I felt instantly accepted as a part of their community. There was this little boy named “D” that I really liked. We would so special plays I set up for him so he could get the ball. No matter if he missed the catch or got tackled, he always got up with a smile on his face, ready for the next play. the level of joy I felt making that kid’s Christmas is something I will never forget.

~ Michael Lewinbuk; 9th grade, Houston, Texas