Sport develops the balance of body, mind, and character. It is an important part of New Zealand’s culture; and we expect to take on the world successfully, no matter the odds. Playing, coaching, and watching sport is a significant part of my life; and I am so impressed by the skills and efforts of people who have discovered their sporting gifts and talents, and have shown the courage and determination to pursue, use, and develop potential.
I like sport because, as it reveals and tests character, those who participate inevitably become better people. Those who achieve well in sport use their determination and perseverance to achieve well in other aspects of their lives. Sport can help people engage in wider society. It brings our diverse cultures together in communities to compete, celebrate and support. For Cantabrians who have lived through the earthquake and 15th March terrorist attack, sport offers opportunities to develop physical, mental, and emotional strength, contributing to wellbeing. We can grow good young people through sport. Most importantly, sport is fun; and through it we can all aspire, achieve, and feel greatness.
I am interested in the virtue of selfless acts, the importance of the unseen efforts in sport. Whether in individual or team sports, not everyone can be the star. Can it also be the case that in successful teams, no one is the star?
John Eales, former Australian rugby captain said: “What’s seen and celebrated is the cream, but the cream [can only] rise from the unseen, unheralded work in the background.”
The unseen, unheralded work in the background John Eales spoke of, are the anonymous contributions from each participant before, during, and after an event. Contributions that may never be recognised, may be hard to measure, but are integral to all and any success. For individuals and teams, it is important to celebrate the seen and unseen, the selfless acts, the ability to put others before self. Service and contribution are valuable and valued.
The culture the Black Caps have developed under the leadership of captains Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson, has really impressed me. It’s a culture that demonstrates their approach to the game and their respect for the game. They are drawing praise from the international cricketing world for their sportsmanship, humility and positive approach. Selfless individual acts are a regular feature and an integral part of their success. Some recent examples that come to mind involve Grant Elliot and Ross Taylor in the aftermath of nailbiting wins at World Cups (see overpage).
More recently, Kane Williamson, Black Caps captain, walked over to thank the 20,000 plus New Zealand supporters who had travelled to the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the 2019 Boxing Day Test, after his team was defeated by 247 runs on Day 4. This was a wonderful gesture!
The Black Caps team lets us see that the acts of both the high profile stars and super talents are as important as the thankless and sometimes unseen tasks. We also see that the individuals who are super stars one week can be flawed the next. This is why we are keen to follow and support the team. I believe that their culture is an example to us all.
I wish you all the very best in your sporting endeavours this year and beyond. Always remember that any success you have is dependent on both yourselves, and the support and contributions of others. Recognise the selfless acts of others and offer them yourselves. You may think they go unnoticed, and perhaps they will, but they do matter!
The question for us all is: Who takes the sausage at a team barbecue ... when there are only a limited number of steaks?