Being a Good Example

Posted by Karen Chatterton on October 12, 2007

I recently asked my class to respond to the following question: “How are the Utah Jazz team members an asset to our community?” They began to write almost immediately with enthusiasm and big smiles on their faces. It is obvious that the “kids” are paying attention to their hometown sports heroes. Some of the many responses are here for you to read.

Ryan wrote: “They are a positive influence to the city because they help support kids in reading and literature. Since they do that, the kids think,oh, reading must be cool since the Jazz do it.”

“The Jazz are a big help to the community because they inspire little kids everywhere. My little brother is obsessed with Carlos Boozer. I mean, they look up to the team and they are inspired to work hard and be just like them.” - Logan

HK penned, “The Jazz are a great influence because they are trying to their best to and win. Fisher is a great example of a loving father. The team’s example sends a positive message to try and do our best.”

“I think the Jazz are a positive influence because they entertain us and they are very nice in public. They are great people and when people see them play, they want to learn the sport,” writes BS.

TH said, “Jazz, I want to give you a lot of credit for what you did with Fisher. It was a GREAT influence, I mean, that was very great trading him so he could be closer to his daughter’s hospital. He was a good player, but he needed that. GREAT JOB!”

I would readily agree that the Utah Jazz Basketball organization is a great asset to our community. Throughout the many years they have been in Utah, the team members have demonstrated principals of hard work, dedication, endurance and good citizenship. They have a great coaching staff and administrators who expect the best in their players and that is what I expect from my students as well.

When my six children were little, we met Tyron Corbin in an ice cream shop. My kids recognized him immediately and waved to him. He returned a big, bright smile and waved the kids over to see him. He autographed one of my boy’s baseball caps and spent time talking to them. We still have the cap, and my children have never forgotten his kindness and generosity. Thank you, Jazz, you are best! It is from this kind of commitment to our community that has helped make me a loyal, true-blue, Jazz fan.

1 Comment

2old2c on October 15, 2007 said:

The kids in our community obviously see and hear what is going on with the athletes that play for the Jazz, as well as in other sports venues. It is wonderful how the Jazz organization has not only set an example of how to treat their players (Fisher, Boozer, etc…) when they have had family concerns, but they have also tried to sign players who can be “roll models” for our children (avoiding some players who may play well, but carry a lot of other baggage with them).