Bailey Durning’s Grade 12 Alberni Wrestling Awards Speech, May 2, 2013

Post date: May 23, 2013 4:19:42 PM

It gives us great pride to hear the positive difference involvement in our wrestling club and sport make in people's lives... It is a big part of why the tradition continues. With permission Bailey Durning has allowed us to share a copy of her Grade 12 speech.

"Sometimes people and things come into our life and somehow we know they were meant to be.

They serve some sort of purpose, teach us a lesson or help you figure out who you are and who you want to become.

You never know who these things or people may be.

In wrestling it could be a coach, team mates, match numbers, or wrestling itself.

It's the feeling when you first step on the mat.

You just know that very moment they will affect your life in some profound way and

sometimes things happen to us that may seem painful and unfair like losing at a time you knew you were meant to win.

In reflection you come to realize that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your true potential, strength, and most important power of heart.

We wrestlers know that everything happens for a reason.

Nothing happens by chance or means of good or bad luck.

Illness, injury, love and lost moments all occur to test the limits of one’s soul.

Without these challenges the sport of wrestling would be safe and comfortable but also dull and utterly pointless.

The people you meet will leave an impact on your life forever.

We believe family to be the proper word.

Like all families it is not always filled with good experiences as they are the hardest and most important.

You come to love wrestling, not only to be good at it, but to take on the lessons it teaches you.

It teaches you to be strong and to open your heart and eyes, two things rarely seen or felt without it.

To new wrestlers; make every practice count and appreciate every moment you are able to step on to that mat.

You may never be able to do it again.

Take advice from your coaches and actually listen.

Remember if not still, they were once wrestlers just like you.

Be determined and set your goals high then you can achieve anything you wish.

Create your own rules and go out and giver.

To future and graduating wrestlers I wish you all the best in the future.

Keep that fighting spirit and never hesitate to get back on the mat."