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coach through sign language which was hard because no one could hear each other and
had trouble talking.To that boy—keep up your determination. And to all of us—remember

how nice you have it without having anything wrong with you. So go out in the world and
be a good sportsman no matter where you are or what obstacles stand in your way.

You are excellent in sports and games. But this year you lose a game. What will
your reaction be? How will you respond to the winning team?

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Reflection Centre

TO LOVE THE GAME BEYOND THE PRIZE

An ideal sportsman displays the same enthusiasm in the end as in the beginning of the
game. He takes the same keen interest in the game whether the opponent is strong or
weak.

He will neither challenge nor defy the decision of the umpire even if it goes against the
interest of his team. The greatest test of a true sportsman is when he is playing a losing
game. He gives a good account of himself even in the hour of defeat.

Team spirit is also an important element of sportsmanship. In games, the various players
must cooperate with one another if they want to win the match. Sportsmanship means
one for all and all for one. In cooperation indeed lies strength. For an ideal sportsman,
failures are not a source of discouragement, but a stepping stone to success.

The world is a vast playground where the game of life is played on a bigger scale. The
qualities of an ideal sportsman are cooperation, team spirit, discipline, and obedience.
These qualities are also required for playing the game of life. “A true sportsman is he who
harmonises strength and weakness in the interest of peace and order,” says Plato.

In all walks of life, an ideal sportsman shows due regard for the feelings and thoughts of
others. His dealings with others are always fair and square. In short, an ideal sportsman
is noted for his high sense of discipline, impartiality, honesty, fair play, broad-mindedness,
frankness, and fellow feeling. He does not regard games and sports as merely a means of

advertisement or publicity, prizes, or medals. He plays them for pleasure and amusement.
He looks upon games and sports as a means of moulding character.

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