There are times when nothing can get you more motivated than hearing a great speech from a famous person. But most of us have heard the locker room rants or the pre-game speech. Here are some of my favorite sports quotes and you decide if they don’t impact you or not.

“A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever.” – Mary Lou Retton “The only way to prove that you’re a good sport is to lose.” – Ernie Banks “The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning.” – Pele “One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than 50 preaching it.” – Knute Rockne “You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan “Once you learn to quit, it becomes a habit.” – Vince Lombardi The one quote that really hit me the most was a quote by Mary Lou Retton when she said, “A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever.”

That quote is so true and that’s part of a reason I encourage students to play a sport while in school. For most it’s the only time in their lives that they will play organized sports. Can sports be violent? Sure they can but they can also teach you valuable qualities of life like sportsmanship, teamwork, goal setting and others, just to mention a few. Take time with your children and teach them these valuable characteristics that will follow them, like the memories Mary Lou Retton was talking about.

1-2-3 break.