By Danny Bernstein, Backyard Sports Cares
From the very beginning of Backyard Sports, our mission was simple. We wanted to capture the joy and wonder of our own youthful days of sports participation and channel these experiences to heal a community in need. While our mission statement remains front and center, it is now time for a new generation of individuals to lead the way.
This entry will be my last reflection as Executive Director of Backyard Sports. I will be passing the reins of responsibility to my colleagues Steve Tseckares, Vin Minotti, and Dillon Faulkner.
While the decision to leave my position evolved over a lengthy period of time, in the end the choice was easy. I am not departing due to age or fatigue. On the contrary, I am movingout of the way due to the strength of our team and their extraordinary commitment to positively changing our community through the power of athletic connection.
I never dreamed of saying goodbye to Backyard Sports, nor thinking of what comes next. For nearly twenty years, we were too busy having fun playing GAGA at the Mt. Vernon Boys and Girls Club, hosting a field day with the Bits and Pieces Camp in White Plains, surfing and skiing with the residents at the Youth Shelter of Westchester, or climbing and bowling with our athletes with special needs.
I saw up close the finest of the human spirit, how simple activities can create happiness and bring together individuals across economic and ability divisions. From these programs I witnessed transformational behaviors and trajectories. Former participants returned as coaching mentors. Student volunteers pursued community advocacy and educational careers. People carried away with them the positive ripples of kindness and connection.
While I thought of my role as leader and taskmaster, the truth is, I was merely a spectator. The game was the great teacher. I just happened to have the best seat in the house.
