Sports are a big part of my life. I enjoy participating in sports. I love to watch sports. I love seeing my daughters learn new sports and watching them compete. Sports are a big part of my life and are a big part of our society.
Unfortunately, not everyone in our communities have the ability to enjoy sports in this way. Because of significant health concerns or, birth defects, participating in and watching sports are not part of some individual’s lives. This is why I love the purpose of Ainsley’s Angels.
I first learned about Ainsley’s Angels from my wife’s cousin, Geoff. Geoff has a tremendous love for running. He is always running in different events. It is great to see the joy he receives from running. Recently he has been posting on Facebook about other people who are benefiting from his running.
Geoff, through Ainsley’s Angels, lends his legs to people who have severe handicaps and are unable to run or walk. Geoff, and many other great volunteers, will enter a race and push those who cannot run. Because Geoff and the Ainsley’s Angels volunteers are willing to share their love of running and the joy of a race day, they created an environment that brings great joy to the lives of children and adults who would be otherwise excluded.
When I asked Geoff what it is like to run as a volunteer with Ainsley’s Angels he told me, “It is an amazing experience. When you get to a race, it takes on the feel of a family coming together for a reunion.” The passionate runners of Ainsley’s Angels give of their time and abilities to make sure that people who are often excluded have a place in the race, a connection to a larger family, and find joy in a sport that so many others enjoy.
What gifts do you have to offer that will bring joy to another’s life? How can you give of your time and abilities to take a person from the sidelines and put them in the game? The folks of Ainsley’s Angels took an everyday passion and truly changed the game for people all over the world.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
