Acceptance Speech

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Acceptance Speech

Today I stand before all of you with immeasurable joy and gratitude in my heart. It has been a journey full of bends and curves but I have finally made it to the end. There were times when I almost gave up but I fixed my eyes on the goal and I attained it. This award represents hope; it tells me that it is possible for dreams to come true and for those who want it badly enough, giving up is not an option. As I stand before you today to receive this award of the best sports personality of the year, I cannot help but show my appreciation to all those who have helped me overcome the obstacles that were in my path. They encouraged me and because of them, I was able to realize my dreams. This includes my mentors in the field, my teammates, my coach and my family. They have all worked hard to ensure that I did not lose my focus. I thank the sports committee and the school for this award and for being the stepping-stone that the students need to realize their dreams. They have so much faith in us that they have dedicated their resources to make this day and this award a reality.

This year has been an eventful one for me because of the many things I have been able to achieve. Representing my school in the regional and state finals at the track and field was something I never thought I would accomplish. All through the year, my coach has been at my side pushing me and urging me to go on. She pushed me beyond my limits and this helped me to realize my full potential. As a team, we encouraged each other and we believed in each other. This helped us to work together and we were able to win all the races and field games. As a captain, I could not have wished for a more cooperative and dedicated team. My family has also been instrumental to my success. They have had to put up with me when I complained about all the practice I had to do and they encouraged me every step of the way. In addition, to you my fellow students, I say a heart felt thank you. Your cheers in the stands made me feel loved and appreciated and I gained more strength from that.

I have sat with the audience and I have clapped and cheered as others received their awards. Deep down inside me, I have always had the desire to achieve what they have achieved not knowing the cost they have had to pay for their success. To all those who have the same sentiments today, I say to you all that you can make it. The only requirements are having a passion for what you choose to do and believing in yourself. These two ingredients enable a person to work and train hard even when circumstances do not allow it. They enable a person to face and overcome the obstacles and challenges facing them. It is not possible to achieve success alone. Everyone needs someone in his or her life. One needs someone to encourage them, to push him or her, to correct them and to rebuke them when necessary. With people telling you that you can go on, you tend to believe their words. Avoid negative people; the pessimists who do not believe that you can do it. Sometimes, one can only find encouragement deep inside them and that is why it is important to have a positive attitude.

This award is not mine alone because I did not accomplish this on my own; it is rather for the people who were with me all the way. It is for those who clap, cheer, and look on with admiration. This award is for the hopeless; to show them that there is nothing impossible in this world. It is for those who do not believe in themselves; to show them that if they only could try, then they would get there. It is for those who are facing obstacles; to show them that nothing is too hard to overcome. It is for all of you; and I tell you thank you. There is no way that I can measure the gratitude that I am feeling. Thank you.