Category Archives: Capacity Buidling

August 17, 2016 · 12:45 pm

Interdisciplinary Approaches to Sustainable Coaching

On a recent trip to Blacksburg, Virginia to visit Tim Baird, Professor of Geography at Virginia Tech who is a college friend from Maine, we took a hike in Jefferson National Forest. During the hike we encountered stunning natural scenery below and shared ideas and thoughts of our respective academic pursuits. At the outset, let me state that Professor Baird’s academic performance and training has won him many awards and admiration from his students.

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Signpost at Jefferson National Forest Photo credit: T. Mohammed

The 2016 Rio Olympics are being broadcast worldwide so I thought I would add my bit of sporting commentary on elite amateur athletes and the rest of us. Many of the athletes have been training rigorously over 4 years or more and aim to reach peak performance during competition at the Olympics. Michael Phelps, Simone Biles or Katie Ledecky are perfect examples of athletes who are reaching peak performances at this year’s Olympics.

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“Water in Stream” in Jefferson National Forest. Photo credit: T. Mohammed

Just like water in a stream (see photo above), my hike with Professor Baird, reminded me of my graduate school readings by Mihaly Csikzektmihalyi, a Hungarian psychologist known for his work on the concept of “flow,” in the field of positive psychology. The concept of “flow” has been applied in sport for development and peace and other disciplines.

According to Cziketmaihalyi and his 2004 TED Talk, everyone, be they an Olympian, student, coach or parent is always striving for their “A” game which means achieving a state of flow and staying in it. While Professor Baird and I are from different academic disciplines – geography and sport for development and peace  respectively- our liberal arts background allowed us to have an interdisciplinary discussion on sustainable coaching.

In Professor Baird’s case he was in the midst of publishing a new research paper on sustainable innovation which we also spoke about in depth. As for me, I am learning how to get “unstuck” and “out of my own way,” to stay in a state of flow in the field of sport for development and peace. Thanks Professor Baird for a terrific visit to Virginia and a meaningful hike!

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Filed under Capacity Buidling, Coaching, Education, International Development, Leisure, Literature Review, Networking, Olympic, Paralympic, Psycho-Social Support, Recreation, Rehabilitation, Uncategorized, Youth Development

June 28, 2016 · 5:17 pm

Community Sport: What are Transferable Methodologies and Approaches?

The 2016 Olympics in Rio has generated terrific event in the Greater Boston area, like the one I attended yesterday with guest speakers such as Ellen Minzer, World Champion rower and award-winning coach. From her experience at elite levels of rowing and more recently as a coach to athletes with disabilities preparing for the Paralympics in Rio, Coach Minzer highlighted the importance of social inclusion in sport.

Among Coach Minzer, many coaching roles she serves as the Director of Outreach with Community Rowing Inc a sport-based youth development program based in Boston. In listening to Coach Minzer presentation, I began to see linkages in the aspirations of what Kidsquash was striving for in Boston and Khelshala in India. Comparisons can be made in community sport – such as rowing and squash – though executed differently by athletes during competition.

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Squash is mostly an individual sport in that during competition on the court it is one versus one, although there are team events too such as doubles squash with two versus two. Rowing is more of a team sport although there can be events with single sculling. The question for program directors of sport-based youth development programs from different community sports becomes what best practice in coaching rowing can be applied to squash or vice versa? What coaching methodologies do coaches use with differently aged and abled athletes? What coaching philosophies or approaches can program directors help to implement?

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These questions have societal consequences for all stakeholders in sport and beyond. This is why it is important to create more qualified coaches such as Coach Minzer who gives back to the sport, no matter what the level of the athletes, as they can help raise standards in community sport practice and participation. The Institute of Athletic Coach Education at Boston University is a fantastic resource for program directors and coaches to begin or enhance their professional development with sport-based youth development programs.

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Filed under Capacity Buidling, Coaching, Community Development, Conferences, Education, Gender, Leadership, Leisure, Networking, Paralympic, Professional Development, Rehabilitation, Stakeholder Engagement, Youth Development

June 9, 2016 · 6:58 pm

Enriching High-Ability Middle School Students in Sustainable Development

This spring, I’ve been teaching part-time at Acera: The Massachusetts School of Science, Creativity and Leadership: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Enrichment Program focusing on current events, political activism and global issues for high-ability middle school students to help them become the best version of themselves.

As the Political-Science / Model United Nations Club Leader I co-facilitated simulations and discussions related to international sustainable development and the U.S. Presidential Elections. We started with global issues and then domestic political issues. The Acera middle school students are highly intelligent, passionate and creative leading to animated discussions which were engaging, lively and heartfelt.

Poli Sci - Model UN students from Acera School attending the 2016 Massachusetts Democratic Convention in Lowell, MA.

Political Science – Model UN students from Acera School attending the 2016 Massachusetts Democratic Convention in Lowell, MA. Photo Credit: T. Mohammed

As part of the course design, I initiated a Field Trip for 2 boys to the 2016 Massachusetts Democratic Convention at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell’s Tsongas Arena. This was a unique opportunity for Jakob, Jamie and myself to listen and observe to the leadership of the Massachusetts Democratic Party establishment. After checking in at the registration desk, we made our way into the Tsongas Arena Indoor stadium where we able to get a close view of the many speakers such as Elizabeth Warren, Maura Healey, Marty Walsh, Ed Markey to name a few.

While sitting in the 5th Middlesex District seating session we had an opportunity to ask Sue Thompson, a Massachusetts delegate about the nature of the 2016 convention, the role of delegates and super delegates and how young people can get more involved in the Massachusetts Democratic Party through its youth wing. In addition, as attendees we were able to collect brochures, literature, pins, posters and bags to further raise awareness of the candidates and issues which Massachusetts Democrats seek to address and take action on 2016 and beyond.

Overall, it was my pleasure to facilitate the teaching and learning for a group of cooperative and coachable middle students who were keen to learn more about active citizenship. Thank you Acera students, staff and parents for the opportunity!

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Filed under Capacity Buidling, Coaching, Community Development, Education, Leadership, Networking, Volunteering, Youth Development

May 17, 2016 · 4:31 pm

Listening to a Young Olympian Set Goals For Rio 2016

I’ve been spending a lot of the time in Memorial Hall Library in Andover, MA contemplating, transitioning and hopefully preparing for the next step(s) for what the future may hold. Libraries are interesting spaces for self-discovery if one is at a crossroads.

Ruben Sanca, a Cape Verdean Olympian distance runner gave a talk at Memorial Hall Library to a diverse audience of New England residents. He spoke about his London 2012 Olympics experience and other highlights from his running career as well as his training regime while working full-time at University of Massachusetts Lowell. He generously answered questions from the audience ranging from running shoes, injuries and recovery.

Ruben Sanca, a Cape Verdean Olympian speaking at Memorial Hall Library.

Ruben Sanca, a Cape Verdean Olympian speaking at Memorial Hall Library.

It was reassuring to hear Ruben give advice to parents of young athletes on how every athlete is different and the importance of having fun. His positive developmental message to the audience was to enable young athletes to develop an interest in sport through an organic process. As a qualified coach, I was pleased with Ruben’s view that parents should enable young athletes to continue if they derive enjoyment from their participation.

Overall, it was an educational experience to attend the Memorial Hall Library event and meet an Olympian who is waiting to find out if his wild-card entry to the 2016 Olympics in Rio will be granted. Thank you to the staff and volunteers at Memorial Hall Library for organizing programs and events of interest.

 

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Filed under Capacity Buidling, Coaching, Community Development, Education, Networking, Olympic, Youth Development

September 9, 2015 · 3:03 pm

What Can Sport for Development and Peace Learn from the Arts?: Lessons from Angkor’s Children in Cambodia

On Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday in India to celebrate the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, my parents and I were invited to attend a filming at the Bright Lights Film Series at Emerson College courtesy of Dr. Sughra Raza, a family friend in Boston and editor of 3 Quarks Daily, an interdisciplinary filter blog.

Lauren Shaw, a Professor at Emerson’s Department of Visual and Media Arts produced Angkor’s Children through a culmination of several years of work with her Kickstarter campaign.

As a Founding Member and Secretary of Khelshala, it was an inspiring and humbling experience to meet Sreypov and Phunam, two of the Angkor children featured in the film as well as social entrepreneurs from the Cambodian Living Arts and Phare Cambodian Circus who worked for decades to mobilize the Cambodian diaspora in the United States and elsewhere to empower the next generation in Cambodia.

Sreypov of Angkor’s Children and me at Paramount Theater, Boston, MA.

Sreypov of Angkor’s Children and me at Paramount Theater, Boston, MA.

What can Khelshala and others learn from those working to promote peace, development and human rights through the creative sector?

  • Sacrifice – the founders, artists and community members all had to give up something in their lives for the greater common good.
  • Commitment – staying true in the long term to their social justice cause was not expected, but came from within.
  • Community – an ecosystem of individuals and organizations nurtured the organizers to mobilize the diaspora.
  • Funding – sports and the arts are often first to be cut in public education.
  • Inter-generational dialogue – exchanges across generations in sport and music can keep traditions alive.

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Filed under Capacity Buidling, Community Development, Education, Gender, International Development, Leadership, Networking, Philanthropy, Psycho-Social Support, Rehabilitation, Uncategorized, Volunteering

September 1, 2015 · 2:48 pm

Marking a Milestone for Khelshala

On 9th August, 2014, Khelshala celebrated its 5th anniversary in Chandigarh, India. Unfortunately I was unable to attend the event, but was celebrating in spirit with colleagues. Since I was not in Chandigarh to report on what took place, the India-based team are putting together a post-event synopsis.

Once again credit goes to Coach Bajwa and the Khelshala team for reaching this milestone. While there is still a long way to go, there continues to be significant achievements made by the Khelshala children as well as the program itself. For those interested in the details, these can be found in the Khelshala newsletter(s).

While I am thrilled to be part of Khelshala, this is a good time for self-reflection for one’s own journey. I have used this summer to review, assess and plan for further career development. After speaking with various career counselors about the field of social enterprise, I am reminded by a friend’s comment that “it would be good to do something that pays.”

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Filed under Capacity Buidling, Coaching, Community Development, Corporate Social Responsibility, Education, Gender, Leadership, Networking, Peace Building, Philanthropy, Poverty, Private Public Partnerships, Psycho-Social Support, Stakeholder Engagement, Uncategorized, Volunteering

August 31, 2015 · 3:40 pm

Appreciating SquashBusters and the Future of Urban Squash

Thanks to Tom Hodgson, a veteran teacher of philosophy and coach at Phillips Academy Andover (also a friend and squash colleague), he invited me to the SquashBusters Lawrence end-of-year celebration at Brooks School. SquashBusters Lawrence students, parents, staff, coaches and volunteers had fun with free-play, eating a pot-luck dinner and recognizing outstanding performers for the 2013-14 year.

SquashBusters Lawrence Staff recognizing students for 2013-14 achievements.

SquashBusters Lawrence Staff recognizing students for 2013-14 achievements.

As an admirer and follower of SquashBusters, it was great to be in the company of Greg Zaff, CEO and Founder and his team to share developments about Khelshala in India as well as Kidsquash in Cambridge, MA. Given the National Urban Squash and Education Association’s international outreach to countries such as Colombia, South Africa and India (including Khelshala) – there is a lot of potential in terms of grant making, student-exchanges and North-South as well as South-South collaboration.

Though squash is not yet an Olympic sport, programs such as SquashBusters and the like  – when done right with capable staff and adequate resources – produce balanced, active and socially responsible citizens. Surely this is a win-win for all stakeholders!

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Filed under Capacity Buidling, Coaching, Community Development, Corporate Social Responsibility, Education, International Development, Networking, Psycho-Social Support, Recreation, Squash, Uncategorized, Volunteering, Youth Development, Youth Sport

August 15, 2015 · 1:44 pm

Khelshala Celebrated International Sport for Development and Peace Day

On April 6, 2014 – Khelshala celebrated their first initiative towards the United Nations International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. For an overview, we encourage you to visit the Khel-Mel event with the theme, “Play Life-Sports for a Healthy Life”.

All age groups were welcomed to the event to participate whole heartedly and take part in lifetime sports, such as dance, aerobics, yoga, athletics, squash, tennis, badminton and table-tennis, which were made available for the day. The Khelshala and Majra children joined hands to commence a day of great importance not only for the Khelshala community, but also for the sports society as a whole. The sound of the Dhols, kicked off the Khelshala march in which a group of very enthusiastic local community members arrived to participate in the walk towards the Khel-Mel venue.

Preceding the march, the dance activity conducted by Mr. Sameer Mahajan, Director of Rockstar Academy, lifted the spirits of the children and energized them for a day packed with fun activities. Along with explaining the importance of dance and aerobics in maintaining health and wellbeing of oneself, he began with a warm up before teaching the children chorography he had planned for the session. The dance session was followed by yoga and meditation conducted by Pinki Jha explaining how yoga and meditation can make their minds sharp, peaceful and also how it can enhance their day to day well being, if practiced regularly. In addition, various athletic activities including hurdles and cone drills for agility over a 50m track were conducted by coaches from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Also, many other individual games like squash, tennis, badminton, and table-tennis were a part of the overall day and were managed by friends and volunteers. Our very own Khelshala coach, Mr. Anil Rathee, also directed a tennis tournament. Khelshala children also performed a street play. This was greatly enjoyed by everybody, especially by the group of St. John’s School children in attendance. Khel-Mel activities ended with a grand finale of tug of war competition.

To conclude the proceedings a small prize giving ceremony was hosted by Mr. Bajwa, Founder and Trustee of Khelshala. He also shared with everyone on how sport can help them to stay fit and healthy. The event coverage was carried out by the esteemed Doordarshan channel, and Langar (community lunch) was served to all attending, courtesy of Village Majra Panchayat.

We were truly delighted to have celebrated this United Nations initiative and hope it served the vision and mission of spreading awareness among the community promoting development and peace. We look forward to a bigger and better event next year. We hope to see you in 2015.

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Filed under Capacity Buidling, Coaching, Community Development, Corporate Social Responsibility, Education, International Development, Leadership, Leisure, Philanthropy, Private Public Partnerships, Stakeholder Engagement, Uncategorized, Youth Development, Youth Sport

August 9, 2015 · 3:02 pm

Kidsquash Alum On a Roll

Today, on the 118th Boston Marathon, I am proud to blog in the spirt of “Boston Strong” about Joey Raskin Lantos, a Kidsquash alum who “graduated” from the program in 2012, and has maintained his interest in the sport.  Joey showed impressive results in recent junior squash events.

Joey (kneeling on right) “graduating” at the 2012 In-House Kidsquash Tournament

Joey (kneeling on right) “graduating” at the 2012 In-House Kidsquash Tournament

As a 12 year old, playing in the boys under-15 division, he finished in 1st place at the SquashBusters Silver, (April 4-6, 2014). He then continued to win the 3.0 Massachusetts State Softball Championships at the Murr Center at Harvard (April, 10th, 2014) and traveled to play at the Junior Silver National Championships in Philadelphia, PA (April 11-13, 2014), where he finished in first place overall for the boys under-13 division.

Joey thriving at the Junior Silver National Championships in Philadelphia, April, 2014.

Joey thriving at the Junior Silver National Championships in Philadelphia, April, 2014.

He continues to work on his game weekly with Seth Packard, former Lead Coach at Kidsquash at the Z-Center MIT squash courts. Joey and his dad Steve Lantos, a long-time teacher at Brookline High School, “think back to Kidsquash fondly.”  All, I can say is this reconfirms the notion, “it takes a village” to support the positive growth and development of youth.

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Filed under Capacity Buidling, Coaching, Community Development, Education, Leisure, Recreation, Squash, Stakeholder Engagement, Youth Development, Youth Sport

August 7, 2015 · 7:15 pm

Reconnecting, Re-learning and Reimagining Through Sport Tourism

As mentioned earlier, I visited Manchester, UK during my last squash season at Concord Academy. Thanks to Roshan Abraham, my aunt, I had great pleasure in doing a Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour. Despite the Abraham family being ardent Liverpool Football Club supporters, they were kind to allow me to re-imagine childhood football fantasies at one of the most popular football clubs in the world.

Visiting the world renowned, Manchester United Football Club – November 2013.

Visiting the world renowned, Manchester United Football Club – November 2013.

Like many, as a young boy playing soccer in the United Arab Emirates during the 1980s and attending a British primary school, one could not help but be engrossed by the English Premier League. Ideally, it would have been great to watch a match live at Old Trafford, but the schedule did not allow it. Interestingly the World Rugby Championships were being held at the Stadium during that time.

Learning about the history, tradition and operations of Manchester United was fascinating. From a coaching perspective, it was exciting to set foot in the stadium of of its longest serving Manager – Sir Alex Ferguson who recently signed a long-term teaching contract at Harvard Business School. Though Manchester United has struggled since his departure, it was well worth the visit.

In addition, while in Manchester, I also visited United’s rival club Manchester City Football Club which also has an impressive stadium. I was unaware that Manchester City had a sponsorship connection to Abu Dhabi’s Eithad Airways. Overall, visiting all these sporting sites was like going to Mecca, in terms of scale but without the religious significance. Although some Manchester United and Manchester City fans may disagree.

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Filed under Capacity Buidling, Coaching, Corporate Social Responsibility, Education, International Development, Peace Building, Professional Development, Recreation, Stakeholder Engagement