DOING SOMETHING for the first time in your life is never easy. Take yesterday afternoon for example. I was manning a food concession stand during a junior baseball league match. Let me tell you something; it can be back breaking!
Between boiling water and serving countless hot dogs, sodas, and candy to impatient kids of all ages, I had a chance to observe the on goings on the field of play. Both teams adorned in their respective uniforms, presenting a very neat and orderly picture. Coaches of both teams guiding their players toward improved focus and play on the field.
The multi-ethnicity of each team drew a varied crowd of parents and supporters, each obviously rooting for their respective teams. Shoulder to shoulder stood Venezuelan, Filipino, American, Canadian, British, Egyptian, Colombian and Palestinian kids along with other nationalities.
Saudi kids were there too, taking part in a game possibly very alien to their own parents. And yet they too participated in the game. It was indeed a refreshing sight.
But that is not the reason for this column. It is for the hard work that so many put into such activities throughout the Kingdom, often nameless or faceless figures whose voluntary efforts toward such causes is hardly ever acknowledged.
Volunteers who put in a full-day’s work, only to rush home and prepare for a coaching session on the playing field. Volunteers who do it for the love of the game and all the little kids. Either on the forefront coaching kids or organizing game schedules, checking playing field conditions, uniform sizes, or food supplies, they do all this for free.
And they are just about all expatriates. Expatriates who look for naught beyond a nod of gratitude from a proud parent or a smile from a kid. They, who among so many of their own, have chosen to give something back to this place. And they will truly leave a positive legacy here long after they have departed for other frontiers.
It is to the Vince Lewises, the Steve Lundyes‚ the Delaneyes, and so many others that have dared step beyond their compound walls and taken the step to include and involve themselves actively within this society, that I say "Thank you".
Thank you on behalf of many grateful Saudi kids who have learned something of value from each one of you. Thank you for your time, your patience, and above all, your selflessness.
And lest I get accidentally scalded by some hot water on my next turn at the concession stand, let me also acknowledge Mrs. Khouri, my concession stand partner for making it a pleasant run.
— Tariq A. Al-Maeena, [email protected]
