Imagine if golfing legend, Gary Player or tennis supremo, Pete Sampras, were your sons? Imagine if Annika Sorenstam or Steffi Graf were your daughters?
Talent, genes, commitment and dedication obviously play the determining role in whether a person goes on to make it big in the world of competitive sport – but they all have to start somewhere.
In order to buy his son a set of golf clubs, Gary Player’s dad had to take out a loan. Annika was a multi talented sportsgirl, playing competitive tennis, soccer and skiing but it was golf that catapulted her into international stardom. But it wasn’t handed to her on a plate – she had to share her first set of clubs with her sister, only getting the clubs with odd numbers (such as a 5 and 7 iron). Pete Sampras was the same. When he discovered an old tennis racquet in the basement at his home, he started to hit balls against the wall and his interest was fired from then onwards.
These stories show us that everyone – even the most talented sportsmen – have something that ignites their interest. For Player, it may have been his father’s commitment and for Sampras, perhaps it was the basement discovery?.
Perhaps we can all learn from those stories – especially when it comes to giving gifts to our children. Is there something more meaningful that we could be doing? Perhaps we could look beyond the traditional gifts, spending hard-earned money on toys and novelties that they often tire of, that break or get lost, and rather look to gifts that could possibly put them on a path to greater fulfillment. And you never know – fame and fortune could be around the corner!
Instead of a new MP3 player, what about a tennis racquet? Some golf clubs instead of a new handbag? A surfboard instead of a computer game?
And on that subject, when 14-year old LeRoy Grannis was given a gift of a proper pine surfboard from his father – his passion for the sport was truly ignited. Many years later, that passion has earned Grannis the accolade as the ‘godfather of surf photography’ – and he is internationally recognized for his incredible work.
Whether it’s a surfboard, golf clubs, a tennis racquet – even dancing lessons or cooking lessons – it could be the gift that changes a life, and changes the world.
So if the gift of opportunity appeals to you – where do you begin? You may want to trawl the internet for some online gift retailers where you can get some ideas and inspiration. From golf lessons and surfing lessons – to more adventurous experiences – the online retailers sell gift vouchers for a whole world of activities.
If you’re in South Africa and your son is set to be the next Gary Player, or you’re in Los Angeles where the surf’s up, or you’re in Sydney looking for gifts Australia because your daughter has her sights on golf’s greatest prize – then it’s worth thinking outside of the (gift) box for inspiration. And who knows – it may just be the start of a life-changing journey!