Life Without Sport is Unimaginable

by Daniel Goulding, Cork Gaelic Footballer

For me, even to think of a life without sport is unimaginable. Putting on my football boots and running around a pitch is a thing I love dearly but have always taken for granted. The GAA pitch is a place where battles are won and lost, friendships are made, and the emotions of ecstasy and joy are mixed with disappointment and regret.

When I struggle to imagine life without GAA, I try to think of all the things I would miss greatly. I think of all the friendships I have made with people in my club, county and further afield. The simple enjoyment of playing in a challenge match in the freezing cold nights of winter; going to the gym for a weights session and a dip in the pool. These are all simple things that every GAA player in the country cherishes.

Then I think of the pain and suffering of acquiring a terrible, career-threatening injury. I have never had to experience a serious injury so far in my sporting career so I can only imagine the physical pain and mental frustration coupled with an uncertainty of the future. I often hear people talk about the courage of sports players’ achievements on the playing field. For me, courage is truly honoured when total adversity is staring you in the face.

There are a number of sporting heroes that have been at the brink in terms of serious injuries. Former Arsenal striker and Croatian international Eduardo, National Hunt jockey Ruby Walsh and England rugby star Jonny Wilkinson are a few that spring to mind that have come back from a career threatening injury. Unbelievable courage and an unbreakable inner strength was shown by these people which was accompanied by a ‘never give in’ attitude. Their willingness and motivation to defy the odds should be an inspiration to every person involved in sport.

However, in certain cases, all the willpower in the world may not be enough. That is where the World Sports Team can help. The willingness and strength of the injured party to achieve their goal: be it to get on the playing pitch again; start running again; or even just get out of bed, can be assisted by the financial and emotional structure which the World Sports Team and the sports community can provide. This charity can help release the burden placed on the injured party, family and friends. I am delighted to be involved in such a charity.

The World Sports Team will help many sports people throughout the world to recover from any setback they receive. It exists for us all.