By: Jan Mazotti Issue: Sports Section: Letter From The Editor Seeing as I can barely walk and chew gum at the same time, this issue on sports was a hard one for me to embrace. I was always that goofy kid in stupid gym shorts and tube socks (by the way who created tube socks?) who was the last to get picked. I was a pitiful team player, not because I wanted to be, but because I am truly not athletic. I will say in my defense, however, that I play a mean round of mediocre golf, I really like to swim, and before I broke my arm, I could bowl like Jeff Bridges.
Now...to change the subject, ICOSA is going through a transformation. We have considered feedback from readers and contributors for almost a year, and are changing small things to accommodate your input. For example, readers regularly follow up and ask about various stories. We are adding a section to the back of the magazine that will highlight some of the big news on stories we’ve covered. We are also condensing the Collaborator Profiles so that they are more readable. With these two changes, we hope to make the magazine a bit more reader-friendly.
Over the last few months we have also added collaborator receptions and events so that community collaborators – business leaders, academics, government officials and community leaders – can come together to meet and network. What’s more, some of them are working together to make a difference in the world.
Back to sports... there are many perceived stereotypes in regards to personal and organizational motivations as they pertain to the sports industry; however broad or general they may be. We hope that through this issue some of these stereotypes will be broken down and that the individuals, teams, organizations and programs within this issue have brought to light the amazing things that transpire everyday at the grassroots and professional levels of sport. It is truly amazing what can be created when a group of great minds come together to inspire and challenge a communities way of thinking and alter its perception.
ICOSA challenges you to engage in opportunities within your community that will foster and change the way people look at those involved in sports. By lending a hand and touching the lives of people through your goodwill it is possible to inspire more to action – including a non-athlete like me!