The Magic Moment
Since 2010 The Adecco Group is proud to have united thousands of people through sport every year for charity. Each year a select group of colleagues and associates from across the world experience the program as Win4Youth Ambassadors. They attend a sports training camp and face the biggest sporting challenge of their lives at the Win4Youth Triathlon. Here Adecco New Zealand’s Teresa Haley shares her journey.
So many people have asked me recently what possessed me to join the #win4youth programme and take up the incredible challenge of completing an Olympic distance triathlon for charity.
It all started back in January. During the Win4Youth presentation at an Adecco Conference, a colleague whispered in my ear “you could do this”. It was in that moment I started to wonder if now that the kids are older and leaving home, is this my time to do something for me? Something that would challenge me, something I never thought possible.
Leaving the conference, I started to have a few doubts, is this even possible? Am I too old, too busy and physically… well let’s just say I was a wreak. Not to mention I’m on the wrong side of 45!
Over the coming days I could feel myself starting to really consider this as an opportunity, an opportunity to improve my lifestyle. I couldn’t go on as I had been. Out came the old sports shoes. I decided to take a step, literally a step out the door and down to the beach for a gentle walk.
Come the following week, I found a brave moment. I took a big breath and told my team that I was thinking of putting my hat in the ring for the Win4Youth Ambassador programme. There was considerable laughter in the room, even I laughed; this was madness, what was I even saying? Then one of my millennials said loudly “You can’t do that!” That was the ‘magic moment!’ In my head, I was thinking, ‘right, that’s it!’ The challenge was thrown down I had something to prove to myself and to my team… I can do it, just watch me!
Having not really exercised in 26 years, this has been the biggest challenge I have ever faced. Over the past weeks, I have pushed myself further than I could imagine. I would never have imagined that exercise would also help me to reconnect with my husband, he’s still out supporting me with every step. My husband and kids are my biggest supporters. That in itself is pretty amazing and I’m incredibly grateful for the change Win4Youth has presented me.
I now want to inspire others like me. Those who think they are too old, too busy or not physically fit enough to participate. I want to lead the way and prove through working hard and commitment, that anyone can achieve great things.
In a short time, Win4Youth has changed my life. Being selected as the 2018 Ambassador is an honour and has given me the opportunity to change the lives of others.
In less than six weeks, I will be in Lanzarote with Ambassadors from all around the Globe. Together, we will complete the Triathlon. I’m excited and frightened at the same time. I’ve done the hard work, I’m mentally preparing and reminding myself every day that ….
“If you think you can, you can!”
Wish me luck
Find out more about the Win4Youth involved and how you can get involved here http://www.win4youth.com/
