(Photo source: Getty Images/Fox Sorts)

I love this photo for a few reasons. I spent many years playing netball and loved being a part of a team. I never played any higher than a social level, but the feeling of being in a team and having people to interact with was an important part of my life. I met people who became friends and even though I don’t see them very often now, they are an important part of who I am.

But this photo appeals to me on a deeper level. It is a photo of the National Netball team – The Diamonds from August 2022- winning the gold medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games against Jamaica. This photo is the moment that the team won, but the 5 players in this photo were not on the court at the time of the final buzzer. While these players were not on the court at the winning moment and possibly were not on the court for much of the game, the excitement on their faces is real. They were on the bench, but they were still part of the winning team.

How important is it that we celebrate the success of others? Yes, cheering on others is a nice thing to do, but it is also beneficial to building healthy relationships and a healthy community. By cheering on others, we let people know that we are happy for their success, and this can inspire us to grow and improve as well.

Yesterday, I was invited to be a part of the official opening of a new Multi-Purpose Hall at Prescott College Southern, one of our Prescott schools in Morphett Vale. It was the culmination of many years of planning, building and constructing, and it was a privilege and a pleasure to see them celebrate the success of their hard work.  Last Friday, many of our parents attended the Lower Primary Sports Day and cheered from the sidelines as our young students took to the field and participated in a variety of activities. We appreciate our community coming together to cheer on the success of our students. I know that it would have made a difference to each student.

It is my hope that you find ways to cheer on and encourage other people this week and that you are also encouraged by those that are in your life cheering for you.

Have a wonderful week.