| My 12 year old son and 2 of his friends | | | | played. The encouragement and tips |
| competed as a team in one of their first | | | | helped them play a better game. |
| paintball tournaments this weekend. They | | | | - Instead of feeling defeated after a |
| were considerably younger and | | | | loss, they discussed what worked and |
| inexperienced than any of the other | | | | what needed improving. It would have |
| teams. However, several people | | | | been easy to feel winning was hopeless |
| participating in the tournament did some | | | | and give up. The encouragement and tips |
| amazing things to encourage this young | | | | provided by others kept them motivated. |
| team. | | | | - They won their final game! |
| - A paintball gun one of the boys was | | | | - They are looking forward to |
| using stopped working properly during | | | | participating in future paintball |
| the tournament. A participant loaned his | | | | tournaments. |
| guns so all 3 boys could continue to | | | | Are you encouraging others? You don't |
| compete as a team in the tournament. | | | | have to be a paintball expert to |
| - Several of the referees and | | | | encourage someone. You can encourage |
| competitors from the other teams said | | | | anyone, anywhere. Think about a person |
| words of encouragement to the boys | | | | you know that could use some support or |
| throughout the day. | | | | motivation. Think about the best way you |
| - As participants watched the team play | | | | can do it. It might be providing a |
| each game, they would tell them tips on | | | | listening ear, some encouraging words, a |
| how they could improve. | | | | handwritten note, or some help regarding |
| The result of this encouragement had | | | | a need he or she might have. Whatever it |
| several positive outcomes. | | | | is, don't put off doing it. Make a |
| - The boys improved with each game they | | | | difference in someone's life today. |