UPWARD

Today, "Nan" (aka me, myself & I) went to Sevierville to watch Caleb play basketball - Upward Basketball.  This is Caleb's third season playing Upward Basketball.  With each season, he and his team mates show more enthusiasm for the game and ever-increasing sportsmanship. 

Upward Sports is a faith-based sports program sponsored by churches throughout the country.  A variety of sports as well as cheerleading are made available to children of the community in an environment where sportsmanship and faith abound.

Each game is played by the rules - fair and square.  Every player is recognized for his positive contributions, game-spirit, and efforts.  It is so refreshing to sit in the bleachers and see family members and friends cheer for both teams, applaud everyone's efforts and genuinely care about the kids out there playing. 

Once the game ends, each team huddles and every member of the team earns a star (of varying colors) for their part in the game that day.  "Best effort,"  "Best offense,"  "Best defence,"  "Best overall player," "Most Christlike,"  "Sportsmanship,"...  Much like the badges of scouting, these stars are added to the uniform and proudly worn by each of the players.

Next week is the last week for this season.  Caleb has mixed feelings about that -- He loves playing but he also likes his Saturdays to be open so that "Nan" and he can spend more time together.  "Nan" has mixed feelings about the end of the season approaching -- She loves to watch Caleb play but, just like him, she loves to have more time with him on the weekends. 

I can only hope and pray that as all of these kids grow and move into school and community based leagues, they will not lose that innocence and love of the game for the game's sake.