A True Champion

Summary

In this inspiring message, the speaker reflects on their own journey as an athlete and the true meaning of being a champion. They share the story of Sandra Corales Roman, a multi-sport athlete who transitioned from pursuing personal success to creating the Athletes for a Dream Foundation, helping chronically and terminally ill children in Chile. The speaker emphasizes the importance of using one’s talents and opportunities to serve others and encourages BYU Pathway students to aspire to be champions not just in their careers, but in lifting and supporting those in need, following the example of the Savior.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker expresses gratitude for being part of the BYU Pathway Worldwide experience, reflecting on their own college days.
• 😀 The speaker's early dreams were focused on football, specifically American football, and the journey it entailed.
• 😀 Success in football requires relentless hard work, conditioning, and the desire to be a champion, but this success can quickly fade after the athletic career ends.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of being a sports hero and the inevitable question that arises: 'What now?'
• 😀 The story shifts to Sandra Corales Roman, an athletic champion in multiple sports, whose life changed after a profound experience with a sick child.
• 😀 In 2008, Sandra had a recurring dream about a boy in the hospital, which led her to take action and visit children in a hospital in Santiago, Chile.
• 😀 During a visit, Sandra met a child named Alban, who was terminally ill, and after giving him a medal, Alban declared himself a 'champion'.
• 😀 This experience inspired Sandra to create the Athletes for a Dream Foundation, providing specialized care and activities for chronically and terminally ill children in Chile.
• 😀 The foundation not only provides medical and physical care but also social events, dental care, and therapy, celebrating the children's courage and giving them a sense of worth.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on how this experience reminded them of the Savior's ministry, emphasizing the importance of loving and lifting those who cannot lift themselves.
• 😀 The speaker encourages students in BYU Pathway to aspire to be champions in their fields, while also using their knowledge, skills, and resources to serve others in need, as modeled by Christ.

Q & A

What is the main message of the speaker in the transcript?

The main message of the speaker is to encourage individuals to become champions not only in their fields of interest but also in serving others, particularly the most vulnerable. The speaker uses the story of Sandra Corales Roman to emphasize how true champions focus on making a positive impact in the lives of others, rather than just seeking personal glory.

How does the speaker describe his experience with football?

The speaker reflects on his time in football, initially driven by the dream of becoming a champion. He explains the intense physical and mental dedication required to succeed in football, but also acknowledges that sports success is fleeting, and eventually, athletes must face the reality of life beyond their careers.

Who is Sandra Corales Roman, and why is she significant in this message?

Sandra Corales Roman is a national-level athlete from Chile, known for her achievements in archery, rowing, and track and field. Her significance lies in how she shifted her focus from athletic competitions to helping chronically and terminally ill children through the foundation she created, Athletes for a Dream. Her story serves as an example of how true champions use their gifts to serve others.

What inspired Sandra Corales Roman to start the Athletes for a Dream Foundation?

Sandra's inspiration came from a recurring dream she had in 2008, where she saw a young boy in a hospital bed. This vision prompted her to visit the hospital, where she met a child named Alban who was nearing the end of his life. Sandra left him one of her medals, and in response, Alban declared himself a champion. This experience motivated her to start the foundation, which helps provide care and activities for chronically ill children in Chile.

What services does the Athletes for a Dream Foundation provide?

The Athletes for a Dream Foundation offers various services to chronically and terminally ill children, including social events, dental care, and physical therapy. Sandra and her team of athletes celebrate these children as champions, providing them with the care and attention they deserve.

How did the speaker feel after visiting the Athletes for a Dream Foundation in Santiago?

The speaker was deeply moved by the visit, feeling as though he had witnessed the Savior's ministry to the sick and marginalized. This experience reinforced his understanding of who the ultimate champion is—Jesus Christ—and the importance of serving and lifting others, especially those who cannot fully lift themselves.

What biblical reference does the speaker make to emphasize his message?

The speaker refers to the parable of the sheep and the goats from Matthew 25, where Jesus teaches that we should use our time, talents, and blessings to serve others, especially the most vulnerable. This parable highlights the importance of serving those in need as a true mark of a champion.

What is the connection between BYU Pathway and the speaker's message?

The speaker acknowledges the gift of BYU Pathway, a program that provides accessible education to individuals who may otherwise not afford it. He encourages the students of BYU Pathway to aspire to become champions in their fields and use their knowledge and skills to bless the lives of others, reinforcing the idea of paying forward the opportunities they have received.

What does the speaker suggest is the ultimate reward for a champion?

The speaker suggests that the ultimate reward for a champion is not medals or accolades but the approval and love of Jesus Christ. He highlights the importance of serving others and using one's abilities to make a positive impact in the lives of those in need.

How does the speaker view the concept of being a champion?

The speaker redefines the concept of being a champion, suggesting that true champions are those who focus on serving others, especially those who are vulnerable or in need. He contrasts this with the fleeting nature of sports fame and emphasizes that lasting fulfillment comes from making a difference in the lives of others.