Don't know about you, but I probably spent more hours this year watching the summer Olympic events in England than ever before. Guess I just had more time, or the coverage allowed me to watch many more events than in the past. While the average "Joe" is likely most interested in the premier events, I was amazed at the number of events that don't have the glamour of track and field, basketball, or swimming/diving. I was truly amazed at the number of shooting and archery events and watched in amazement at the quality of the competition.  My guess is that many of the members that made up the US team probably developed their love for the event because someone introduced them to the sport during their youth.  Could it be through family experiences that started with mom or dad taking them a field?

While I don't know for sure, I would suspect several or most likely were introduced, at least initially through family. If you read my blogs you likely are an out of doors person, and likely have some connection to archery or shooting sports. If you are a hunter you most likely were introduced by a family member, and built on that initial experience. My greatest hope is that just someone took the time to introduce you to the outdoors, that you are doing the same. It could (and should) be your children or grandchildren, but maybe it's a work associate or close friend who were never initially introduced as a child? Maybe it's working with a group that introduces disadvantaged youth to the outdoors?  

If you are not into hunting, maybe it was that first fishing adventure, and maybe you pass on your fishing love to those friends, co-workers, or disadvantaged? If not hunting or fishing, maybe you share your passion for hiking, camping, canoeing, or just being in the great outdoors with others?  No matter, if you take the time to share your passions and adventure with anyone my hats off to you; you deserve a "Gold Medal" for your efforts.  Just as athletes devote many hours to develop their skills and abilities, so do outdoorsmen who devote time and energy to introduce those to outdoor sports.  Without this time and energy,and commitment to others, we could easily see the numbers who enjoy our passion decrease. Kids have lots to take uptheir time today, and without our efforts they might never experience the wonders we discovered when we were introduced to the outdoors and all the activities it has to offer.

So, if you have taken the time to share your great passion in the outdoors to others, congratulations! You have just been awarded a "Gold Medal" by me (only gold, no silver or bronze). I urge you to continue to get back on that podium at every opportunity and develop future Gold Medal winners in the great outdoors. And don't forget, that those tools needed to share those great experiences are available through local sporting goods stores such as Academy. Share the fun and love of the outdoors as much as you can. A tip of the hat to you!