President’s Message – Respecting Those in the Contest

I presume there are Educate Plus members everywhere who are very keen sport enthusiasts. Well, I have no problem admitting, I am, and always have been, a serious rugby tragic. I loyally follow the Wallabies and the Waratahs.

Over the years I have ridden the waves of spectacular highs and challenging lows. There have been many amazing Test matches – some outstanding wins. Plus, there have been many great performances that weren’t quite good enough on the day.

A special memory is the Super Rugby Final in 2014. Now that was certainly a magical moment! Obviously, you celebrate such moments when you can and appreciate the contest when you can’t.

Of course, it’s easy to be an arm chair critic. My wholehearted regard goes to all the players whom we enjoy watching. Thanks for daring greatly, making yourselves vulnerable by putting yourselves forward, knowing that ‘failure’ will be part of the experience.

Recently, Wallaby ace, David Pocock, quoted a speech by Theodore Roosevelt:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man
stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit
belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.”

Whether it is on the rugby field, in school advancement or guiding Educate Plus forward, I believe it is those who roll up their sleeves and put themselves in the contest who deserve our respect – win, lose or draw.

David Osborne
NSW/ACT Chapter President
Educate Plus