Building Global Relationships through the United States Scholar-Athlete Games

Akash Dey
St. Lawrence Academy High School, Santa Clara, CA 2009
San Jose, CA

The gateway to building bridges and breaking barriers opened through my entry into the United States Scholar-Athlete Games held this summer at the University of Rhode Island. I was honored to be a participant in these games, which are based on sportsmanship and goodwill. The games were conceived by Dan Doyle, founder and executive director of the Institute for International Sport. These games not only help in building global awareness, but also in fortifying leadership and enhancing good sportsmanship.

The games helped foster relationships among 1,000 athletes and artists from around the world while sharing a platform in order to showcase our talent and ability. It was a positive approach to integrate academics with extra- curricular activities during this memorable time. It was not about being the best here, but about friendship, challenge, honor, and dignity--the four walls surrounding the games. The Games are based on the Olympic ideals, and I couldn’t have had a more enriching experience than I had during this nine-day experience.

On June 28, 2008, we all assembled at the University of Rhode Island, where we had a flavor of great dormitory life for over a week. We began mingling with our fellow athletes and hard-working coaches who traveled from different states and countries. They came to teach us to be not only competitive in a positive way, but they also embedded in us many other values that would help to be an integral part of us for years to come. The days were filled with activities through themes, activities, and motivational speeches by many dignitaries like NSHSS Chair Claes Nobel, a proponent of humanitarian and environmental causes, and our much respected former Secretary of State General Colin Powell.

All of us represented our nation, school, and community in some form or the other. We developed a bond here that had been further strengthened by all the ideals of the games. I personally was chosen to represent the games as a member of The National Society of High School Scholars. I realized that everyone here had something valuable to offer in their respective fields. All the staff at the games (including Ms. Erica Wheeler Chief of Staff & Commissioner, USSAG) also needs to be commended for organizing such a great event without whose efforts these games would be meaningless. The speech by General Colin Powell was inspirational and motivational for all of us present. We all walked out as leaders and better human beings after his speech.

As the current youth of this country, our contribution to the world is ongoing; therefore, any participation and effort on our part can surely make the world a better place. We all went home with a great book by Dan Doyle, The Encyclopedia of Sports Parenting, which contains a wealth of information that will be the learning ground for all of us for the future. As for me, I am eager to participate in the World Scholar-Athlete Games to be held in 2011.