Before I comment on the collective group, which I will do in a future blog, I would like to say a few things about Andre's induction speech. I happen to be in front of the television when Andre gave his speech and I have to say that it was eloquent, sincere, and downright inspiring. I have been a major Andre fan since watching him beat Mikael Pernfors in the 1988 final in Memphis. I had tuned into watch Pernfors, who is still one of my favorite all time tennis characters, but I was blown away by Andre's forehand and flair. He ran Pernfors into the ground. After one set I half expected Pernfors to waive the white flag in surrender. I called a friend of mine in New York during the match and told her that I was watching the future of tennis. Although it was struggle at times to believe that he was going to make the most of his talent, it was well worth the effort to remain a fan throughout his whole career. (I do not want to say how much money I spent on Nike denim tennis shorts or Air Trainer tennis shoes over those years.)
His journey was not the smoothest but it was his unique journey just the same. More ups and downs than a Hollywood blockbuster, and there were some spectacular crash scenes.
Anyway, back to Andre's speech. He said a lot of great things during that speech but the line that still sticks with me is this "That we are here to do good quietly, to shine in secret, to give when there's no crowd applauding, to give of ourselves to someone who can offer us nothing."
When he said that my hair stood on end.
What a great line, "We are here to do good quietly."
I cannot think of simpler way to behave. Modesty, in place of yelling 'Look at me'. Letting the deeds speak for themselves. That is inspiring. For a guy who has spend his whole life being the center of attention it was marvelous to think that he could now find some joy or peace in quietly doing good for others.
Andre has spent the last 17 years building a school for under privileged kids in his hometown of Las Vegas. It is a great project that has raised over $150 million and had its first graduating class in 2009. But he is not just the face of the project, he is actively involved every day. He is a man who has gone from seemingly caring about nothing, to caring for a whole community. He had made people's lives better. How many of us can say that? He could have taken his money and hid in Malibu or locked himself in a gated community in Florida for the rest of his life, but instead he is putting himself out there and giving back. Again it is inspiring.
We are here to do good quietly. Say it a few times to yourself, then say it to a friend. It should be a phrase that we say more often.
I strongly suggest that you visit his foundation's website, the link is, http://www.agassifoundation.org/
The link to Andre's Hall of Fame speech is,
http://www.tennisfame.com/andre-agassis-hall-of-fame-induction-speech
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