World We Imagine- 1

"Today we are redefining the geography of community and accepting shared accountability for common human values. We have the chance to extend the notion that all men are created equal to every human being on the planet. This will require global structures and products we are only beginning to imagine.... Each of us in his or her own way can contribute something by thinking -- and acting -- like a true global citizen. We have only one world for all of us on earth, and the future really is ours to create, in a world we dare to imagine together."

After reading this post, and reading a bit from the Blue Sweater, I started to think with myself, what are my steps in order to make the world a better place, like Jacqueline Novogratz is trying to do. The term “better place” might have a lot of different meanings but I wanted to focus on the equality and common human values among our community.

My first step in making the world a better place, is by taking part every summer in a program of tennis coaching of kids with physical and mental disabilities in the Israel Tennis Center. Thanks to this program, those kids are privileged to cultivate feelings of independence and ability to develop friendships with other participants, while putting difficulties aside, and having the feeling of an integral part of the society. When those kids are playing tennis, the results are quick and amazing to watch. The sport stimulates hidden strengths among them, help increases their motivation, contributes to their self-confidence, improve communication and concentration, and creates a healthy social climate for interacting with other athletes.

The population of kids with special needs, are more than often detached from our society, and theirs integration back into our community is a real challenge. By trying to help and support them, they receive the ability to break their life routine and cultivate feelings of independence. I believe that by playing tennis and coaching them, I promote the establishment of a better world, while giving everyone equal rights and values.