The Common Thread Between Olympians and REALTOR Volunteers

By Russ Cofano posted 07-22-2012 10:27 PM

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This is one of my most favorite times. The Summer Olympic Games begin with the opening ceremonies this Friday. Every Olympic games produce moments that are remembered for years to come.  One of my favorites was Kerri Strug's gutsy performance that gained the U.S. its first team gold medal in Women's Gymnastics.

The Olympics are more than just sport. It is sport combined with country.   And that is what makes the Olympics special. Athletes who train for the right to not only be the best in their respective sport but to do it as a representative of the people in their country. Some succeed in gaining Olympic fame (and fortune) and being on a Wheaties Box. Others are mired in obscurity but still taking great pride in the honor that it means to be an Olympian. So much of sport these days is about the "me". The jersey tugging, endzone dancing antics of many professional sports "heroes" has become the norm. Yet with the Olympics, it is as much country as it is the athlete's accomplishments.

That feeling of doing something for the good of the greater group is also what drives the volunteerism of trade associations. The Missouri Association of REALTORS have so many members who are willing to live in "volunteer obscurity" (like so many Olympians) because they know that their participation has a meaning beyond their individual acheivement.

So as you watch the Olympics over the coming weeks, certainly relish those who create those memorable moments of Olympic history through record breaking or inspirational performances. At the same time, pay some attention to all of the other athletes. These athletes are like most of our volunteers.  Their efforts may not be front page news but without them, we would not exist. And for sure, we are very proud of them.

'Till next time

Russ Cofano

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