Like most news show, City News in Toronto has a feature called “Athlete of the Week.” On this short video segment, some high school or college kid is celebrated for being able to skate quickly or dive into water. Big deal. Although I might not be “coordinated” or “fit” or “determined” or “courageous” I am “unsung” and so I wrote City News to nominate myself as Athlete of the Week. I present to you, first the blurb from City News inviting submissions, and then my letter to them.
They don’t get the spotlight and they don’t have the big contracts. But our Athlete of the Week feature highlights the unsung sports heroes from the high schools to the local clubs, saluting those who play for the best reason of all – the fun of it. If you know an athlete we should be featuring here, email us at athlete@citynews.ca.
January, 28th, 2009
Citynews:
I would like to nominate Michael Murray for the Athlete of the Week, as I think that his dedication and spirit serve as an inspiration to floor hockey players throughout the GTA.
Although he’s small in stature and quite a bit older than the rest of the players in the league, Michael pretty much holds his own. Without him, the Jesus Cobras ( the team he plays for) would not be the Jesus Cobras. His enthusiastic cheering from the sidelines is always a welcome encouragement, and when he does take a shift, he shows fearless character, completely unafraid to get hit by the ball. Michael has some physical issues ( a hernia, just one lung, near sighted and frequent nose bleeds in the winter) that make competing at a high level a challenge, but his good nature and infectious laugh always makes the game a little more special, reminding many of the players that regardless of your circumstances, you can still do your best and have a good time.
You should really come out and watch him play one night, and then you will really know what I mean. He is truly a pillar of light in the co-ed beginner floor hockey league, and if anybody deserves to be honoured with Athlete of the Week, it is Michael Murray.
God bless,
Michael Murray