[color=#0000ff]Part IV:[/color]
A missed opportunity.
How could this have happened?
The stage was set. The protagonists were there. The Town Hall meeting was the place to be that Friday afternoon…
Alas, noone came. Almost.
By my estimates, there were about 75 to 100 handballers in the audience. Atlanta was well represented. So was Houston. The eventual award winners and Q & A "volunteers" were the fillers. I was hoping that more would "trickle in".
So what does all of this mean?
It means that the "majority"of the "defunct USATH membership" remains numb to ALL the "off court" activities.
It means that the majority continues to feel that there is no reward in getting involved and being informed.
It means that the wounds, created by the recent high level turmoil, are not yet healed.
It means that each player, coach or parent associated with the sport of handball who did not attend, had better things to do.
It means, as it should, that actions speak louder than words… and those who were not in the audience sent in their message LOUD and CLEAR..
It means that slefishness is still alive and well amongst ourselves, the US team handballers.
It means that hypocrisy is an end to justify the means.
It means that we want to reap what we are not able to sow.
It means that we missed a great opportunity to show the USOC, and to each other, that we care. That, no matter what, we can and will do our best to promote the sport of team handball.
Sarcasm and individual agendas aside, the lack of interest displayed by those not attending the town hall meeting was the wrong message sent at the wrong time.
I'm certain that individual and collective excuses will be forthcoming in what should become another futile manifestation of misguided creativity and initiative.