RR
I agree that when you talk about the character of the players selected for the game, you would think that participating in the hand in hand program would be a natural extension of it. There are some young men that don't feel they can commit to the buddy aspect.
I have seen two reasons that a few players don't participate, outside commitments and fear. The first is self explanatory. The second is much more difficult to quantify. I will use my son as an example. When he was selected, I asked him when he would be meeting his buddy. I was very surprised when he responded that he didn't think he would be participating in the program. When I asked him why, he said he didn't know if he could be comfortable around a special needs child. I explained to my son how important it was for the child and would only take a few scheduled events. I suggested that he go over and just meet the child before he made up his mind. My son hesitantly agreed and the rest is history. Five years later they are still buddies and my son has learned a great deal about himself as well as others. The statement that the player gets more out of it then their buddy is extremely true.
I agree that when you talk about the character of the players selected for the game, you would think that participating in the hand in hand program would be a natural extension of it. There are some young men that don't feel they can commit to the buddy aspect.
I have seen two reasons that a few players don't participate, outside commitments and fear. The first is self explanatory. The second is much more difficult to quantify. I will use my son as an example. When he was selected, I asked him when he would be meeting his buddy. I was very surprised when he responded that he didn't think he would be participating in the program. When I asked him why, he said he didn't know if he could be comfortable around a special needs child. I explained to my son how important it was for the child and would only take a few scheduled events. I suggested that he go over and just meet the child before he made up his mind. My son hesitantly agreed and the rest is history. Five years later they are still buddies and my son has learned a great deal about himself as well as others. The statement that the player gets more out of it then their buddy is extremely true.
