Many times as teachers and coaches we are credited with shaping and influencing the lives of young people... and sometimes a young person passes through your space and he/she creates a lasting impression... and the roles are reversed as they influence and shape the lives of coaches/teachers... and those with whom they interact. Although I am no longer actively coaching/teaching, I am one of the fortunate teachers/coaches who have had the opportunity to share a space in my life with many beautiful young people - students who made me think, grow, learn, love...
Today I write this blog with much sadness in my heart on the passing of a true gem of a young man. I had the opportunity to teach and coach Mark Daly when he entered Fyzabad Composite School around age 12. Mark was an outstanding athlete, representing the school at volleyball, basketball and Championship Division football. I remember him being involved in drama as well..., but it was his everlasting smile and his peaceful disposition that won him gold medals among those with whom he interacted.
Mark was any coach's dream athlete... and when I coached the National Junior volleyballers in 1997, I literally begged Mark to try out for the team - he was hesitant as the training clashed with his preparations for CXC exams... but he made the sacrifice and travelled with the team to Barbados for the Inaugural Caribbean Junior Championships - he came off the bench then, but later would be a starting player on the National Senior team... and eventually team captain!
Mark continued his education and was again my student - this time at UWI as he began his tertiary education in sport... and I continued to learn from him. At the time of his death, Mark was enrolled in the Bachelors Degree in Sport Studies at UTT... working with the Ministry of Sport and studying part-time.
Today I thank God for blessing us with this beautiful person who no doubt would have influenced and shaped many lives through the way he lived... and loved.
God bless your beautiful soul Mark - let perpetual light shine upon you and may you rest in peace...
+ve vibes,
Mark
This is a wonderful tribute MM, I have been thinking about Mark a lot as we wind down the end of the year and reflect on the special lives we lost this year.
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