In 2019, there was a group of 14 individuals who ran a marathon for Team Oasis together, as in the entire 26.2 miles TOGETHER. A spectator even commented, “this group is the best team I’ve ever seen at an individual sport!”
This got me thinking about my cross country days in high school. Disclaimer: cross country was my fall back sport when basketball didn’t pan out. I grew up playing team sports and had focused on basketball for a long time. For me, the draw of team sports was being able to have everyone contribute to the success of the team. In basketball, nothing was more fun than passing the ball to an open teammate on a fast break or high fiving after every free throw made. So, why did I choose running as my fallback sport? Well, for one, there were no tryouts (Who likes to run anyways?). One thing that I wasn’t looking forward to, was the individual focus of running.
On my first day of cross country practice, there was something I didn’t expect – teamwork. Everyone around me was already so close-knit and encouraging of others. I was instantly hooked. How could I break into this team, to feel like I finally belong somewhere? It didn’t take long for me to make friends and feel like I was contributing to the success of the team, despite being slower than most of them.
Inherently, running is an individual sport. From “personal bests” to having prescribed paces for workouts and runs, running can be catered to all ability levels. For many, that’s the beauty of the sport. Despite that, there is a huge team aspect to the sport that cannot be ignored. Team breeds a sense of belonging, a true engine for encouragement and accountability.
In high school, team goals were pretty clear – win state championships, produce all-conference performers, and win medals. After leaving competitive running behind, being part of a team became just as important to me. Goals shifted from personal bests and trophies to things like, building community and helping others find a lifelong healthy activity.
Running for charity is arguably the best sense of team around. Everyone has a common goal, both physically and philanthropically. Team Oasis is the definition of team, despite being made up of people participating in an “individual” sport. Every mile run and every dollar raised is a step towards the goal of bettering the lives of children who, thanks to your efforts, are given opportunities for success they wouldn’t have otherwise. It’s hard to find a better team goal out there.
Team elements extend from Team Oasis to Kenya. Oasis staff in Kenya implement “team” into most activities the children do. From the classroom to the basketball court, there is such a vibrant sense of togetherness at all three sites. While Oasis children may come to our gates alone, from broken pasts, they quickly find themselves belonging to a story along with others just like them, their team.
Team is in everything we do at Oasis for Orphans, and we’d love to have you join us to achieve our goals. We will make sure you don’t go it alone if you want to be on our team!
-Ryan, Team Oasis Coordinator
Email me today if you want to run with our team!
