Winning beyond winning.

Above is the picture of the Bukit Jambul (BJ) Floorball U-16 Boys team that recently competed in an inter-school tournament. All glory to God, they emerged as champions among three other school teams. It was a small tournament but one that was good for the boys to learn, gain experience and confidence. 

This year, BJ has seen and experienced an abundance of victories. Looking back at how we started almost 3 years ago and how far we've come brings me much joy and places me in a position of awe and thanksgiving to God, who began it all. This year has been really significant for BJ. They've became possibly the first school in Malaysia to actually go abroad for a floorball tour, fully sponsored by the school. God of abundance - enough said.

But as I reflected upon the many positive achievements this year, God began to churned in my spirit a fundamental question...

"Is winning all there is to it?"

When winning becomes a reality in the form of medals and trophies, it's easy to lose sight of the true spirit of "winning". Time and time again, God reminds me of what I am supposed to do - to build champion boys and girls, not building a shelf of medals and trophies. I've always hold on to the ethos of "character precedes winning". And my hope and goal for every team that I coach is that they are able to see winning beyond just winning. My prayer is that they will embrace and learn the characteristics, the spirit, the will, the joy, the unity that drives them towards winning. 

Winning trophies and medals is just a consolation, the true joy of winning births forth from the process and journey towards victory. 

Winning is not defined by gold medals.

Winning is not defined by the number "1".

Winning is beyond that.

Winning happens when a selfish player comes to a point of understanding the power of teamwork. 

Winning happens when encouragement and motivation is spoken forth from one player to another. 

Winning happens when a player displays positive sportsmanship and attitude on and off court. 

Winning happens when your team loses a match but everyone comes together,  pick themselves up, and keeps moving forward again. 

Winning is when the team embraces a positive culture. 

Winning is when a team is able to exert a positive influence over other teams and spectators. 

Winning happens when everyone works not for himself, but for the team. 

Winning happens when the team understands that winning, is beyond just winning.

Winning, in the right spirit and perspective, is beyond gold.

It is priceless.

Keep this in mind, and we will always keep winning something more worth than gold.