Anyone who has spent time in a Tibetan community or amongst Tibetan individuals has surely noticed and benefited from this incredibly compassionate, generous & kind culture. It’s a culture built upon the very notion that the ultimate goal in life is to make others happy and bring peace to the world. The foundation of any people, any culture, is its female population. Quietly and humbly, Tibetan women have passed on the values that millions of people all over the world admire so deeply in these people. If we can find a way to empower these keepers of the light, give them the tools to communicate to the world, just imagine the possibilities, the implications for the future of the human race.
The first official function of Tibet Women’s Soccer was to hold a 1-week training session for the new coaches. We invited 18 male Tibetans from various settlements around India, some traveling from as far as Karnataka state in the south and the kingdom of Ladakh in the far north. The coaches worked directly with Paul Dascalu, former professional player from Romania/Denmark on the field, learning how to implement powerful teambuilding exercises, games and drills suited to beginners. From Delhi we welcomed two physiotherapists, a sports psychologist and a yoga master, all of whom generously bestowed their impressive knowledge, and inspiringly so. Joining them was Mrs. Manjushree Roy, a powerful force in the world of Indian sports, and a staunch supporter of girls’ sports and its ability to empower communities. It was a pleasure working with all these individuals, particularly the coaches. These brave men are the ones who will actually be on the ground with the first girl participants. They are the ones who will have to face the daily ins and outs. They so tirelessly and enthusiastically gave themselves to the program, and I have no doubt that they will return to their schools fully prepared to take on this monumental task.
The training program received incredible publicity here in India and beyond. We were visited by Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, The Times of India, The Hindustan Times, The Tibet Times and Phayul.com. But the best publicity of the week was out on the field while we were playing. Small Tibetan faces peered through classroom windows, wondering, on the first day of practice, what we were doing there. Word spread fast, and as soon as the afternoon bell rang a massive crowd of Tibetan kids gathered along the edges of our drills to watch. Girls, too.
On the last day I gathered 10 willing girls to come out onto the field and work with me a bit. When we explained to them our plans for the future, they were shocked. The looks on their faces said it all – THANK YOU.
So next, in January, 3 girls from each school will be sent to me for a 1-month intensive training program. It will include not only soccer, but leadership training, psychology, yoga & meditation & nutrition. These girls will then return to their home schools and become the seeds of the first teams – the captains. I am so excited.
During the week an interesting idea was posed. Traditionally, every Tibetan family sends one son to become a monk and live in a monastery. Essentially, a Tibetan monk’s purpose is to spend his life praying for world peace, and doing everything in his power to attain such peace within himself. Recently the United Nations launched a worldwide campaign to use sports as a tool to inspire, empower, attract and mobilize communities around the world. If sports can indeed be used as a tool for peace, perhaps in this modern world every Tibetan family can also ensure that their children have the opportunity to participate in sports, especially their girls. Imagine the possibilities.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen. We’re just getting started. Please stick with us as this incredible journey continues…
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